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A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
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Exploring physicians' prescribing behavior in patients with multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: a sequential
Hussain Abdulrahman Al-Omar1,2, Nada Alsowaida3, Lama Aldosari4
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2457, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia. halomar@ksu.edu.sa.
BMC Neurology
|April 2, 2023
Summary
Physicians in Saudi Arabia diagnose and treat multiple sclerosis (MS) using disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). A national guideline is recommended to improve MS care and streamline treatment protocols for this growing neurological condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults globally.
- The study focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of MS in Saudi Arabia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore physicians' perspectives on diagnosing and treating MS in Saudi Arabia.
- To investigate the prescribing patterns of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS patients.
- To identify challenges in MS management within the Saudi Arabian context.
Main Methods:
- A sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was employed.
- Quantitative data from the Saudi MS registry (2015-2018) for 2,507 patients.
- Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with nine physicians.
Main Results:
- The majority of MS patients (92%) had relapsing-remitting MS.
- Most patients received at least one DMT or corticosteroids for relapses.
- Physicians' practice, views, and challenges in MS care were identified through thematic analysis.
Conclusions:
- MS prevalence in Saudi Arabia is increasing but remains lower than in the Gulf region.
- A national MS guideline is crucial for standardizing diagnosis and treatment.
- Guidelines can help expedite treatment and improve care for MS patients.
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