MUSCAT: A recent study conducted at Sultan Qaboos University has shed new light on the psychological, cognitive and social challenges faced by patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Sultanate of Oman. The research was led by Prof Samir bin Hamad al Adawi from the Department of Behavioural Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, and carried out by a multidisciplinary research team.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that has a profound impact on neurological functioning and patients’ quality of life. The condition is increasingly understood through a biopsychosocial lens, where biological, psychological and social factors interact to influence disease progression and patient well-being. Although Oman reports a relatively low prevalence of MS, estimated at 15 cases per 100,000 people compared to other Gulf countries, understanding the condition’s psychological and cognitive burden within the local context remains critically important.
Globally, growing attention has been directed towards the effects of MS on cognitive functioning and mental health. The disease can impair key cognitive abilities such as attention, memory and processing speed, which in turn affects patients’ independence, daily functioning and overall quality of life.
Against this backdrop, Prof Al Adawi led a multi-centre exploratory study involving clinically stable MS patients recruited from Khoula Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, both recognised as leading neurological referral centres in Oman. The study compared MS patients with healthy individuals across several domains, including intellectual ability, neuropsychological performance and emotional well-being, with particular attention to symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also examined gender differences and explored the relationship between cognitive performance and quality of life.
The findings revealed that MS patients in Oman experience notable reductions in thinking ability, visual–spatial memory and cognitive processing speed when compared with healthy participants. Gender differences were generally minimal, although female patients demonstrated slightly stronger visual–spatial abilities. Importantly, the study highlighted a strong association between quality of life and cognitive performance, underscoring the close interplay between biological, psychological and social factors in the lived experience of MS.
These results confirm the presence of a significant psychological, cognitive and social burden among MS patients in Oman. The researchers emphasise the need for comprehensive assessment and integrated care approaches that are sensitive to cultural, social and healthcare system characteristics. A deeper understanding of these dynamics will support the development of tailored preventive and rehabilitative strategies, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life and strengthening both local and international research and clinical efforts.
It is also worth noting that the Sultanate of Oman provides free and comprehensive healthcare services to its citizens through an integrated national health system, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to public health and societal well-being.
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