Awareness of transcranial magnetic stimulation among psychiatrists in Oman towards transcranial magnetic stimulation: Single institution study

Background : Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive treatment method that is increasingly becoming prominent due to the limitations of existing pharmacopsychotherapy modalities. To date, a dearth of studies examines the awareness of rTMS among psychiatrists in the Arabian Gulf population. In this region, resistance to treatment is widespread due to the cultural attribution of ‘psychic pain’ to somatic attribution and the stigma associated with pharmaco-psychotherapy. Aims: This study aimed to assess the understanding and attitudes of psychiatrists towards rTMS and determine the factors that contribute to the knowledge of rTMS in Oman. Methods: A quantitative observational cross-sectional study will be conducted using an online survey. The survey will collect demographic information, and a validated measure was adopted to assess variation in knowledge and attitudes towards rTMS was adopted. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression will be performed to identify risk factors associated with knowledge levels. Result: 50 psychiatrists participated in this study, resulting in a response rate of 83%. The average age of the participants was 32.7±4.3 years [26.0-41.0], with more than half being female (n=28, 56.0%) and residents (Junior/Senior) (n=25, 50.0%). Most of the sample were Omani (n=45, 90.0%) and worked in tertiary hospitals (n=38, 76.0%). The average scores for knowledge and attitudes towards rTMS in this sample were 14.5±3.8 and 22.5±6.3, respectively. The linear model showed that seniors and older had a higher level of knowledge than junior residents (ß=4.65, p<.001). Furthermore, participants who had access to an rTMS device at work had a higher level of knowledge than those who did not (ß=1.88, p=0.027). Conclusion: Three factors significantly impact the knowledge of psychiatrists about rTMS: their higher educational level, the presence of an rTMS device at work, and the availability of standardized training in rTMS.