J Mult Scler Res. 2024; 4(3): 52-58 | DOI: 10.4274/jmsr.galenos.2024.2024-7-3

Treatment Satisfaction of Patients Using Dimethyl Fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis: A Survey Study

Merve Turkkol, Ebru Hatun Uludasdemir, Damla Cetinkaya Tezer, Ipek Gungor Dogan, Serkan Demir
University of Health Sciences Turkey, Sancaktepe Sehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disease that affects the central nervous system. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is commonly used in the treatment of MS. This study examines the relationship between treatment adherence and quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing DMF treatment.
METHODS: The study included 227 patients using DMF. Demographic information, DMF usage duration, disease duration, and treatment adherence were obtained through surveys. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program. The effects of factors such as age, sex, disease duration, and treatment methods on treatment adherence and QoL were evaluated.
RESULTS: Patients who had high adherence to DMF treatment had higher QoL. Moreover, younger patients adapted to the treatment more easily and had higher QoL. Female patients had higher treatment adherence than male patients. Additionally, treatment methods had varying effects on QoL.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: DMF is an effective treatment for MS. The study results indicate that adherence to DMF treatment positively impacts patients’ QoL and that increasing this adherence is crucial. Future studies should compare different treatment methods and comprehensively examine patients’ experiences during the treatment process. Psychosocial support and education programs should be developed to enhance treatment adherence.

Keywords: Dimethyl fumarate, multiple sclerosis, treatment adherence, quality of life, demographic and clinical factors

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