Multiple Sclerosis in sub-Saharan Africa – a scoping review

Heine, Martin; Maartens, Desiree Duane; Hanekom, Susan; Derman, Wayne

doi:10.1016/j.msard.2020.102133

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…As a result, there are scant data concerning MS prevalence and care in Africa. 37 Methodology used for the Atlas provides an overall estimate of barriers to early MS diagnosis in these regions but limits detailed assessments or conclusions regarding accurate or early diagnosis within or between regions. For instance, as recent data in the United States have highlighted, adoption of McD-C does not necessarily ensure accurate comprehension and application of its key elements.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global Barriers to the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

et al. 2023

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Background and Objectives:Recent data suggest increasing global prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS). Early diagnosis of MS reduces the burden of disability-adjusted life years and associated healthcare costs. Yet diagnostic delays persist in MS care, and even within national healthcare systems with robust resources, comprehensive registries, and MS subspecialist referral networks. The global prevalence and characteristics of barriers to expedited MS diagnosis, particularly in resource-restricted regions, have not been studied extensively. Recent revisions to MS diagnostic criteria demonstrate potential to facilitate earlier diagnosis, but global implementation remains largely unknown.Methods:The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) third edition of the Atlas of MS was a survey that assessed the current global state of diagnosis including: adoption of MS diagnostic criteria; barriers to diagnosis with respect to the patient, health care provider, and health system; and existence of national guidelines or national standards for speed of MS diagnosis.Results:Coordinators from 107 countries (representing approximately 82% of the world population), participated. 83% reported at least one “major barrier” to early MS diagnosis. The most frequently reported barriers included: “lack of awareness of MS symptoms among general public” (68%) “lack of awareness of MS symptoms among healthcare professionals” (59%), and “lack of availability of “healthcare professionals with knowledge to diagnose MS” (44%). One-third reported lack of “specialist medical equipment or diagnostic tests”. 34% reported use of only 2017 McDonald criteria (McD-C) for diagnosis and 79% reported 2017 McD-C as the “most commonly used criteria”. 66% reported at least one barrier to adoption of 2017 McD-C, including “neurologists lack awareness or training” by 45%. There was no significant association between national guidelines pertaining to MS diagnosis or practice standards addressing speed of diagnosis and the presence of barriers to early MS diagnosis and implementation of 2017 McD-C.Discussion:This study finds pervasive consistent global barriers to early diagnosis of MS. While these barriers reflected a lack of resources in many countries, the data also suggest that interventions designed to develop and implement accessible education and training can provide cost-effective opportunities to improve access to early MS diagnosis.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global Barriers to the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

et al. 2023

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“…Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and is characterized by multiple demyelinating lesions of neurons 1 . It is a major global health concern and is a subject of ongoing research and studies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Navigating the journey of multiple sclerosis management in Africa, overcoming hurdles and harnessing opportunities: a review

Aderinto¹,

Opeyemi²,

Opanike³

2023

Annals of Medicine &Amp; Surgery

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating condition affecting many African people. However, the management of MS in Africa is often inadequate, and there is a need to improve the care and support provided to patients. This paper aims to identify the challenges and opportunities in navigating the journey of MS management in Africa. MS management’s main challenges in Africa include a lack of awareness and education about the disease, limited access to diagnostic tools and treatments, and inadequate care coordination. However, by increasing awareness and education about MS, improving access to diagnostic tools and treatments, fostering multidisciplinary collaborations, encouraging and supporting research on MS in Africa, and collaborating with regional and international organizations to share knowledge and resources, it is possible to improve the management of the disease and improve the lives of those affected by MS in Africa. This paper concludes that improving the management of MS in Africa requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and international organizations. Collaboration and sharing of knowledge and resources are crucial to ensure that patients receive the best possible care and support.

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