Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Omanis with Multiple Sclerosis: Single Tertiary Center Experience

Jihad Yaqoob Ali Al Kharbooshi, Abdullah Al-Asmi (), Ronald Wesonga, Samir Al Adawi and Amal S. S. Al-Fahdi
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Jihad Yaqoob Ali Al Kharbooshi: Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London Health Sciences Center, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
Abdullah Al-Asmi: Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
Ronald Wesonga: Department of Statistics, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
Samir Al Adawi: Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
Amal S. S. Al-Fahdi: Psychosocial Unit, Department of Holistic Care, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, University Medical City, Muscat 123, Oman

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-13

Abstract: (1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in Oman, necessitating targeted healthcare planning and patient support. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on MS management and disease course, incidence, and outcomes of COVID-19, psychosocial and mental health effects of the pandemic, and demographic and clinical predictors of the effects related to COVID-19 among Omani PwMS. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2021. Adult (18–60 years) Omani PwMS completed a structured interview along with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5). Clinical data on relapses and disease-modifying therapies and adherence were analyzed. The data was statistically analyzed. (3) Results: Of 104 PwMS (73.1% female), 22.1% contracted COVID-19, with fatigue being the most reported symptom (87%). Female sex ( p = 0.042), younger age (18–34 vs. 35–45 years; p = 0.014), diagnosis of COVID-19 ( p = 0.037), and low current mental well-being scores ( p = 0.021) predicted greater COVID-19-related effects. (4) Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to study the mental resilience of this subgroup of PwMS and provide them with targeted support during crises.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis; disease modifying therapies; COVID-19 pandemic; psychological effects; mental well-being; Oman (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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