Influence of Sociodemographic Variables on Patient and Practitioner Knowledge of Pharmacological Management Options for Parkinson's Disease

Introduction: The pharmacological management of Parkinson's Disease (PD) is imperative to improve the quality of life for patients with the disease. However, the extent of knowledge among patients with PD and practitioners of pharmacological management options is unknown. Our primary aim was to investigate patient and practitioner knowledge of pharmacological management options for PD. Our secondary aim was to study the influence of sociodemographic variables on patient and practitioner knowledge of pharmacological management options for PD. 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. To determine the relationship between sociodemographic variables 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 option was Levodopa-Carbidopa immediate-release tablets, and the least-known was Procyclidine. Compared to patients, practitioners were 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 employment status (OR 0.15 - 0.28) had a significant relationship with patient and practitioner knowledge of pharmacological management options. Conclusion: Practitioners were more likely to have knowledge of most pharmacological management options for PD than patients. Sociodemographic variables such as education level, age, geographical location, ethnicity, and employment status influenced patient and practitioner knowledge of pharmacological management options.