European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC URTICARIA

Dr. Dhan Keshar Khadka*, Dr. Sudha Agrawal, Dr. Arpana Rijal and Dr. Samir Shrestha

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Chronic urticaria is a chronic and debilitating disorder with high morbidity which severely impairs the quality of life of an affected individual. Identifications of knowledge attitude and practice regarding urticaria help in better management of the disorder and improve the quality of life. So, this study was conducted to assess knowledge attitude and practice of patients with chronic urticaria and to determine the dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Methodology: 80 patients of chronic urticaria were enrolled after written informed consent. Data on knowledge, attitude and practice were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire containing 18 questions, on knowledge, attitude and practice, which included both” yes/no”, single response, multiple choice questions and multiple answer type question. Three-point Likert scale was used to categorize "Poor (<50%)", "Fair (50-75%), and "Good" (>75%) score. DLQI was assessed using Nepali version. Results: The mean age was 27.40±9.03 years (17-62 years). Incidence of urticaria was higher in female than males (59%vs 41%). The knowledge of chronic urticaria was poor in (55.0%), fair in (31.9%) and good in (13.1 %). The attitude regarding chronic urticaria was fair in (45. %), poor in (37.5%), and good in (17.5%) and the practice was poor in (80%), fair in (16.25%) and good in (3.75%). The median DLQI was 18 indicating chronic urticaria severely affected the quality of life. Conclusion: The knowledge and practice regarding chronic urticaria was found to be poor while attitude was found to be adequate. However chronic urticaria severely affected the quality of life.

Keywords: DLQI, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Urticaria.