Objective: We aimed to study the knowledge and perception of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and awareness of available care options for PD diagnosis in our population.

Background: The increasing burden of PD globally has propelled its recognition as a neurological disorder of public health significance. The concomitant impact on quality of life, morbidity and mortality despite the availability of effective symptomatic treatments justifies the importance of improved access to care, early diagnosis and institution of treatment. Community level awareness is key to promoting earlier presentation.

Method: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study at the two prevalence study sites utilized in the TraPCAf prevalence work package at the Lagos, Nigeria site 1. Using a multi-staged sampling technique we randomly selected 250 adults, 18 years and above and resident in Mushin and Surulere Local Government Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria. Eight domains of knowledge ranging from being able to identify PD as a disease entity, signs and symptoms, associated factors, to knowledge of correct treatment, place to receive proper treatment and action to be taken in the event of a suspicion of PD were used to assess knowledge. Perception was assessed using the Health Belief Model. Knowledge of access to care was assessed by evaluating the awareness of availability of proper treatment for PD.

Results: The 250 participants were 54.4% (136) female, with a mean age of 47.6 ±14.4 years. Overall, 56% had good knowledge score, 51% had good perception score and 83% had good score in knowledge of access to treatment. There was significant statistical association between age, level of education and employment status independently with knowledge (p=0.01, 0.001; 0.009) and perception (p=0.001; 0.03; 0.006) respectively. There was also significant statistical association between level of education and knowledge of access for treatment for PD (p=0.001).

Conclusion: The knowledge and perception gaps identified warrant strategies to provide additional health education to the community, including targeting the younger adult population. Contextually appropriate educational materials and media for enlightenment while enhancing communication and retention will be required.

References: Walker R, Fothergill-Misbah N, Kariuki S, Ojo O, Cilia R, Dekker MCJ, Agabi O, Akpalu A, Amod F, Breckons M, Cham M, Del Din S, Dotchin C, Guggsa S, Kwasa J, Mushi D, Nwaokorie FO, Park T, Rochester L, Rogathi J, Sarfo FS, Shalash A, Ternent L, Urasa S, Okubadejo N. Transforming Parkinson’s Care in Africa

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/knowledge-perception-and-access-to-care-for-parkinsons-disease-in-two-selected-local-government-areas-in-lagos-state-southwestern-nigeria/