Physicians' Knowledge and Practice Regarding Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system disorder induced by the immune system. It gets worse over time and is characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and marked disability.

AIM: To assess the knowledge and practices of physicians regarding MS care in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This observational cross-sectional study included licensed physicians (neurologists, psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, and primary care physicians) practicing in Saudi Arabia. The data was collected using a content-validated questionnaire. Physicians were requested to answer from different locations, and a Google Form was used to collect the replies. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression were performed to identify the factors affecting knowledge, practice and self-confidence among physicians.

RESULTS

A total of 220 participants participated in the study. The knowledge score was 12.9 ± 4.05 out of 25, the practice score was 18.3 ± 5.84 out of 35, and the self-confidence score was 49.11 ± 13.99 out of 100. In multivariate analysis, possessing an MS-related certification emerged as the most significant predictor of increased knowledge (β = 6.324, p < 0.001). Having an MS specialization was second (β = 2.468, p = 0.021), and clinical experience was third (β = 2.180, p < 0.001). Having an MS subspecialization (β = 5.030, p = 0.002), an MS certification (β = 7.998, p < 0.001), or clinical experience (β = 3.447, p < 0.001) was also a good independent predictor of practice scores. The effects of MS subspecialization (β = 9.813, p = 0.020), MS certification (β = 14.863, p < 0.001), and years of experience (β = 8.493, p < 0.001) on confidence scores were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Physicians demonstrated moderate knowledge, practice but relatively low confidence regarding MS care, with significant gaps among non-specialists and less experienced clinicians. MS-specific certification, subspecialty training, and clinical practice are the key determinants for improved knowledge and practice.