Comparative analysis of fingolimod versus teriflunomide in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Fingolimod and teriflunomide are commonly used in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). These have not been compared in controlled trials, but only in observational studies, with inconclusive results. Comparison of their effect on relapse and disability in a real-world setting is therefore needed. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of fingolimod and teriflunomide in reducing disease activity in RRMS. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective observational study was carried out with prospectively collected data from 15 centers. All consecutive RRMS patients treated with teriflunomide or fingolimod were included. Data for relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were collected. Patients were matched using propensity scores. Annualized relapse rates (ARR), disability accumulation, percentage of patients with active MRI and treatment discontinuation over a median 2.5-year follow-up period were compared. RESULTS: Propensity score matching retained 349 out of 1388 patients in the fingolimod group and 349 out 678 in the teriflunomide group for final analyses. Mean ARR decreased markedly from baseline after 1 and 2 years of treatment in both the fingolimod (0.58-0.17 after 1 year and 0.11 after 2 years, p < 0.001) and teriflunomide (0.56-0.29 after 1 year and 0.31 after 2 years, p < 0.001) groups. Mean ARR was lower in fingolimod-treated patients than in those treated with teriflunomide at years 1 (p = 0.02) and 2 (p = 0.004). Compared to teriflunomide, the fingolimod group exhibited a higher percentage of relapse-free patients and a lower percentage of MRI-active patients after 2.5-year follow-up. Disability worsening was similar between the two groups. Patients were less likely to discontinue fingolimod than teriflunomide (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fingolimod was associated with a better relapse control and lower discontinuation rate than teriflunomide. The two oral therapies exhibited similar effects on disability outcomes.

Psychometric properties of the Tuckman Procrastination Scale in a Turkish sample.

A stepwise validation procedure was carried out to translate and develop a Turkish version of the Tuckman Procrastination Scale. A total of 858 college students completed the Tuckman Procrastination Scale, the Academic Self-efficacy Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Two items in the original scale loaded on a different factor and were removed from the measure. The 14-item scale had a one-factor solution as supported by subsequent confirmatory factor analysis. The Turkish version of the Tuckman Procrastination Scale scores correlated negatively with academic self-efficacy and self-esteem scores. Overall results provided evidence for the validity and the reliability of the scale scores.

Psychometric properties of Frustration Discomfort Scale in a Turkish sample.

The present study assessed the psychometric properties of the Frustration Discomfort Scale for Turkish college students. The Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS), Procrastination Assessment Scale-Student, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were administered to a sample of 171 (98 women, 73 men) Turkish college students. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis yielded fit index values demonstrating viability of the four-dimensional solution as in the original. Findings also revealed that, as predicted, the Discomfort Intolerance subscale of Turkish FDS was most strongly correlated with procrastination. Overall results provided evidence for the factor validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the scale for use in a Turkish population.

Chronic procrastination among Turkish adults: exploring decisional, avoidant, and arousal styles.

The authors examined the prevalence of chronic procrastination (decisional, avoidant, and arousal styles) as functions of demographic variables among 354 Turkish adults (148 men, 206 women; M age = 38.7 years, SD = 8.26 years). Prevalence analyses showed that among Turkish participants, 17.5% were indecisive procrastinators, 13.8% were avoidant procrastinators, and 14.7% were arousal procrastinators. Results did not yield significant differences for gender or age on any forms of procrastination, which is consistent with other international samples. However, significant differences emerged depending on the number of children such that Turkish adults who had more than 3 children claimed to be more indecisive than they claimed to be arousal or avoidant procrastinators. Respondents with less than a graduate degree reported higher rates of indecision than did respondents with at least a graduate degree.

Exploring academic procrastination among Turkish students: possible gender differences in prevalence and reasons.

The authors examined the prevalence of and reasons, or excuses, for academic procrastination as a function of gender and academic grade level. In Study 1, a factor analysis of responses by 203 Turkish undergraduate students to an academic procrastination measure provided evidence of reliability and validity for the revised scale. In Study 2,784 students (363 women, 421 men; M age = 20.6 years, SD age = 1.74 years) completed the validated Turkish Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students. The results were that 52% of students self-reported frequent academic procrastination, with male students reporting more frequent procrastination on academic tasks than female students. Significantly more female students than male students reported greater academic procrastination because of fear of failure and laziness; male students reported more academic procrastination as a result of risk taking and rebellion against control than did female students.