Improving Disease Knowledge in GERD Patients Through Education
Author Information
Author(s): Urnes Jorgen, Petersen Hermod, Farup Per G
Primary Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Hypothesis
Does a group-based education program for patients with GERD improve their disease knowledge and affect their quality of life?
Conclusion
The education program increased patients' disease knowledge, which was retained after one year, but did not lead to changes in quality of life.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients in the education group scored higher on knowledge tests than controls at both follow-ups.
- Knowledge was positively associated with higher education levels and negatively with psychiatric illness.
- No significant association was found between changes in knowledge and changes in quality of life.
Takeaway
Patients with GERD learned more about their condition after attending classes, but knowing more didn't make them feel better overall.
Methodology
Patients with GERD were randomly assigned to an education group or a control group, with knowledge assessed through a test at 2 and 12 months.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and exclusion of patients with significant psychiatric conditions.
Limitations
The study may not apply to patients with severe GERD, and the knowledge test was not recorded at baseline.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 20-75 with mild GERD, with a mix of educational backgrounds and psychiatric comorbidities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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