From theory to practice: physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in...

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with heterogeneous presentations that often mimic other conditions, leading to frequent misdiagnosis and delayed recognition. Physician awareness and diagnostic confidence are critical for early detection, yet little is known about these factors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where ALS services and specialized centers remain limited.

We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 1,320 physicians in Egypt. A validated online questionnaire assessed demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns regarding ALS. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistics, with multivariate regression to identify predictors of knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Overall, 41.0% of physicians demonstrated poor knowledge of ALS, while only 8.8% achieved good knowledge. Nearly half (46.5%) reported little or no diagnostic confidence, and 93.7% expressed a strong need for additional educational programs. Most respondents identified MRI (78.3%) as the main diagnostic test, whereas only 2.0% selected electrophysiological studies. Nevertheless, practice scores were higher: 65.7% reported good practice levels and 48.4% indicated they would directly refer suspected cases to specialists. Knowledge strongly correlated with attitudes (r = 0.610, p < 0.001) and both were moderately correlated with practice. Multivariate analysis identified neurology specialty, postgraduate ALS training, and urban practice as independent predictors of better knowledge and attitudes, while greater experience predicted improved practice.

Egyptian physicians show limited ALS knowledge and low diagnostic confidence despite reasonable practice behaviors. Training and structured referral pathways are urgently needed to improve ALS preparedness in Egypt and the wider MENA region.