Factors associated with delay to diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in Zambia.

Background/objectives: Delays to diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) are largely unknown in sub-Saharan Africa. This study utilizes a quantitative approach to determine factors independently associated with delays to diagnosis among a cohort of Zambian people with MS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled people with a confirmed diagnosis of MS at a public outpatient neurology clinic in Lusaka, Zambia. Standardized surveys were administered. Diagnostic delay was categorized into patient delay, health-system delay, and all delay. A multivariable linear regression model was used to determine factors independently associated with time to diagnosis.

Results: A total of 22 participants had a confirmed diagnosis of MS. Median all delay from symptom onset to MS diagnosis was 11.4 months (interquartile range (IQR) = 4-35.5), with health-system delay accounting for the majority. Asian race correlated with a decrease in all delay, while evaluation outside of Zambia was associated with a decrease in patient delay and birthplace outside of Zambia correlated with decreased health-system delay.

Conclusion: Black African people born in Zambia and evaluated in Zambia experienced prolonged diagnostic delays when compared to non-black Zambians born and/or evaluated outside Zambia, likely due to a combination of health system and patient factors, which necessitate further study to shorten time to diagnosis.