Characteristics of Patients with Parkinson Disease in Pakistan: Prospective Multicenter Cross-sectional Study (P2.068)

Objective: Define characteristics of Parkinson Disease in Pakistan. Background: PD is likely common in the Pakistan but epidemiological studies are limited. We report initial findings on beliefs, common practices and disease burden in Pakistan. Design/Methods: Prospective, Cross-sectional, multicenter epidemiological Observational Study In tertiary care centers with large referral base, for patients with diagnosis of PD (UK Brain Bank Criteria) who consent and fill out a standardized questionnaire. Results: 96 patients with mean age of 60.5 years (range 34–86) with 2:1 male to female ratio (64 male) and mean duration of disease 5 years (0–16 years) are included. Patients were diagnosed early with time to diagnosis of only 0.45 years (range 0–9). However, patients see multiple physicians with mean 3.7 (range 1–15) and 34.4% have seen > 2 physicians. Monthly cost of medications is 18.5% of income (n=60, 2.7–60%) with 26.7% patients spending more than a quarter of their income with mean monthly household income of $255. But only 16.6% (16/96) are themselves actively working. Average education level is 8 th grade and most patients are married (82/96, 85%). Most patients report daily caffeine intake (84.4%) but mostly black tea (average 2.3 cups). 29% patients report some exposure to insecticide/pesticide. Only 36.5% are exercising regularly and even less regularly read (21.9%). 35.4% admit trying non-allopathic treatment but most (70.6%) note lack of benefit. Most take carbidopa-levodopa (86/96, 89.6%) and use 2.2 PD drugs currently on average. 86.4% worry about future, 68.8% admit public embarrassment and 43.8% try to conceal their disease. Although 74% report having spousal support, 41.7% felt they are burden on their caregiver and 40.6% have problems with personal relations. 81.2% belief in religious activities (e.g. prayer) help their disease. Conclusions: In this first multicenter study in Pakistan we note some concerning trends such as high cost, isolation, poor lifestyle and high burden of disease. Disclosure: Dr. Shahzad has nothing to disclose. Dr. Aslam has nothing to disclose. Dr. Waqar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lakhiar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Syed has nothing to disclose. Dr. Niazi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Arshad has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lakhair has nothing to disclose. Dr. Javed has nothing to disclose. Dr. Syed has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ahmad has nothing to disclose. Dr. Saleem has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bertoni has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bhatti has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with ACCADIA, ABBVIE,. Dr. Bhatti has received research support from ABBVIE,.