Faiza Ibrahim and Dirk Deleu
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an emerging disease in the State of Qatar. Long-term adherence to disease modifying therapy is a significant challenge for patients with multiple sclerosis. The purpose of this study was to assess adherence to medication and follow-up clinic in patients with MS. Methods: Survey of patients living with MS, attending neurology unit in a tertiary hospital in Qatar. Noncompliance with medication, injection, attending followup clinics was used as an indicator of adherence. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS. Results: A total of 51 patients participated in the study. Most were female (54.9%), and non-Qatari (51%). Reports of non-adherence to medication and follow-up clinic were varied. Prevalent reasons included fear from selfinjection’ (39.2%), chronic condition of the MS disease (45.1%), medication adverse effects including skin discoloration (37.3%) and fatigue (70.6%). In-hospital wait time (47.1%) and difficulty finding parking (51%) were responsible for non-adherence with follow-up clinics. Disruption in lifestyle (54.9%) emerged as main social issue impeding adherence. Conclusions: This study has documented barriers to maintaining treatment adherence in patients with MS at Hamad General Hospital. There needs to further investigate these factors to inform the process of care of patients with MS.
