Abstract

Introduction: Patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) experience motor and non-motor symptoms that decrease their quality of life. The pharmacological management of PD is imperative to improve the quality of life for patients with the disease. Considering the variable presentation in patients with PD, it is imperative that patients and practitioners recognize the various pharmacological management options.

Methodology: The Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) model was adapted to develop a questionnaire that assesses patient and practitioner knowledge of pharmacological management options for PD. The questionnaire consisted of 11 questions. To assess the relationship between sociodemographic factors and patient and practitioner knowledge of pharmacological management options, basic frequency, likelihood-ratio chi-squared, Spearman's correlation, simple logistic regression, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results: For patients (n=492) and practitioners (n=149), the most widely known pharmacological management is Levodopa-Carbidopa immediate-release tablets, and the least-known is Procyclidine. Compared to patients, practitioners are more likely to have knowledge of most pharmacological management options (OR 1.62 - 9.38). Higher education level (OR 2.56 - 21.01), younger age (OR 0.17 - 0.32), geographical location (Europe OR 1.97 - 9.40, North America OR 0.07 - 0.44, Oceania OR 17.70 - 38.36), ethnicity (4.73 - 5.72), and professional level (OR 0.15 - 0.28) have a significant relationship with patient and practitioner knowledge of pharmacological management options.
Conclusion: Practitioners are more likely to have knowledge of most pharmacological management options for PD than patients. Sociodemographic factors such as education, age, geographical location, ethnicity, and profession influence patient and practitioner knowledge of pharmacological management options.