Access to Parkinson's disease treatments in the Middle East: a multi-national survey of availability, affordability, and utilization patterns.
Access to Parkinson's disease treatments in the Middle East: a multi-national survey of availability, affordability, and utilization patterns.
Where did the research take place?
The study site has not been established. Author addresses may differ from where the research occurred.
Tehran, IR · Author affiliation
Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Location evidence
Abu Dhabi, AE · Author affiliation
Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.Location evidence
Dhahran, SA · Author affiliation
Clinical Neurosciences Department, King Fahad Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.Location evidence
Doha, QA · Author affiliation
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.Location evidence
Isfahan, IR · Author affiliation
Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Location evidence
Kayseri, TR · Author affiliation
Department of Neurology, Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey.Location evidence
Irbid, JO · Author affiliation
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.Location evidence
US · Author affiliation · country only
College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina Wilmington, USA.Location evidence
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Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is an increasing public health challenge in the Middle East, yet regional data on access to therapies and services remain limited. Understanding the gaps in PD treatment availability, affordability, and prescription frequency is necessary for improving care delivery and regional policy development. OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the availability, affordability, and utilization of disease-related pharmacological treatments, surgical, device-assisted therapies, and rehabilitative services across multiple Middle Eastern countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed to physicians with expertise in movement disorders across participating countries in the Middle East. The survey assessed three domains of availability, cost, and utilization of key medications, surgical interventions, and specialized PD services. RESULTS: Thirty-one respondents from nine Middle Eastern countries, including 44% movement-disorder specialists. Medication availability was 65.4%, affordability 68.6%, and prescription 52% across the included countries. Levodopa was nearly universally available (98%), whereas newer dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and COMT inhibitors were available inconsistently. Advanced therapies demonstrated disparities; botulinum toxin and deep-brain stimulation were available in high-income countries but not frequently used, while infusion therapies were mostly unavailable. Telemedicine uptake was moderate; genetic testing was cost-restricted. Although general rehabilitation was available, PD-specific services were limited. Affordability constrained equitable care. Qatar had the highest reported prescription frequency of PD medications among the countries. CONCLUSIONS: The survey highlights disparities in access to essential PD therapies across the Middle East. Variable availability, costs, and limited specialized services prevent optimal care, urging the need for stronger regional policies, improved insurance coverage, and expanded clinical training to improve equity in PD management.