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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Jihad Yaqoob Ali Al Kharbooshi & Abdullah Al-Asmi & Ronald Wesonga & Samir Al Adawi & Amal S. S. Al-Fahdi, 2025. "Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Omanis with Multiple Sclerosis: Single Tertiary Center Experience," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(8), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:8:p:1236-:d:1720034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Selçuk Özdin & Şükriye Bayrak Özdin, 2020. "Levels and predictors of anxiety, depression and health anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkish society: The importance of gender," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(5), pages 504-511, August.
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