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IJERPH
Volume 22
Issue 8
10.3390/ijerph22081236
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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

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

by
Jihad Yaqoob Ali Al Kharbooshi
1,
Abdullah Al-Asmi
2,*,
Ronald Wesonga
3,
Samir Al Adawi
4 and
Amal S. S. Al-Fahdi
5
1
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London Health Sciences Center, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
2
Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
3
Department of Statistics, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
4
Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
5
Psychosocial Unit, Department of Holistic Care, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, University Medical City, Muscat 123, Oman
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081236 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 4 June 2025 / Revised: 27 July 2025 / Accepted: 3 August 2025 / Published: 7 August 2025
Versions Notes

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 multiple sclerosis; disease modifying therapies; COVID-19 pandemic; psychological effects; mental well-being; Oman

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MDPI and ACS Style

Al Kharbooshi, J.Y.A.; Al-Asmi, A.; Wesonga, R.; Al Adawi, S.; Al-Fahdi, A.S.S. Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Omanis with Multiple Sclerosis: Single Tertiary Center Experience. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22, 1236. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081236

AMA Style

Al Kharbooshi JYA, Al-Asmi A, Wesonga R, Al Adawi S, Al-Fahdi ASS. Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Omanis with Multiple Sclerosis: Single Tertiary Center Experience. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2025; 22(8):1236. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081236

Chicago/Turabian Style

Al Kharbooshi, Jihad Yaqoob Ali, Abdullah Al-Asmi, Ronald Wesonga, Samir Al Adawi, and Amal S. S. Al-Fahdi. 2025. "Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Omanis with Multiple Sclerosis: Single Tertiary Center Experience" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 22, no. 8: 1236. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081236

APA Style

Al Kharbooshi, J. Y. A., Al-Asmi, A., Wesonga, R., Al Adawi, S., & Al-Fahdi, A. S. S. (2025). Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Omanis with Multiple Sclerosis: Single Tertiary Center Experience. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(8), 1236. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081236

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