Knowledge level, quality of life, and follow-up expectations of patients with chronic urticaria

Knowledge Level, Quality of Life, and Follow-Up Expectations of Patients with Chronic Urticaria Objective: Chronic urticaria (CU) is one of the most common chronic diseases encountered in dermatology practice. Although numerous studies in the literature have focused on the prevalence, triggering factors, and treatments of the disease, there is a limited number of studies addressing patients' level of knowledge and follow-up expectations. The aim of our study is to assess the knowledge levels and follow-up expectations of patients diagnosed with CU, identify gaps in these areas, propose solutions, and evaluate the impact of CU on patients' quality of life. Materials and Methods: The study included all patients aged 18 years and older, who were literate and diagnosed with chronic urticaria (CU), and presented to the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinic at Aydın Adnan Menderes University Hospital between March 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024. A total of 65 patients participated in the study. Patients who agreed to participate and provided informed consent via a signed consent form were given a data collection form. The study was conducted using this data collection form, which was specifically designed by the researchers. The form consisted of four sections: Section A gathered information about the participants' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics; section B included questions to assess their knowledge of CU; section C evaluated the impact of CU on their quality of life; and section D focused on the participants' follow-up expectations regarding CU. The data collection form was completed through face-to-face interviews with the patients. Results: Of the 65 patients included in the study, 33.8% (n=22) were male, and 66.2% (n=43) were female. The mean age of the patients was 42.17 ± 1.91 years. The average duration of the disease was 48.25 ± 55.03 months, ranging from 2 to 240 months. Angioedema was observed in 41.5% (n=27) of the participants with CU. The most common sites of angioedema were the lips (77.8%, n=21) and the periorbital region (66.7%, n=18). The average number of correct answers to the 18 questions assessing knowledge levels about CU was found to be 8.1 ± 2.4. To evaluate quality of life, participants completed the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-QoL), with a mean total score of 31.99 ± 16.36. Among the subdomains, itching had the most significant impact on quality of life, while swelling affected it the least. Additionally, 96.9% (n=63) of the participants expressed a desire for regular follow-up. While 55.6% (n=35) preferred their follow-up examinations to be conducted by a specialist physician, 52.4% (n=33) stated they would like a nurse to be present during these appointments. Furthermore, all participants indicated that receiving an informational booklet was beneficial. Conclusion: CU is one of the common conditions encountered in dermatology clinics; however, it has been observed that patients often lack sufficient knowledge about characteristics of the disease and management of symptoms. CU impacts patients' quality of life negatively. This impact is particularly more pronounced in female patients or when accompanied by angioedema. Our findings also highlighted that CU patients have notably high follow-up expectations. More than half preferred follow-up examinations conducted by both specialist physicians and nurses, while all participants expressed the need for an informational booklet. Based on the results of our study, it is evident from the patients' perspective that follow-up clinics tailored to their needs are crucial. Key Words: Chronic Urticaria, Follow-Up in Chronic Urticaria, Quality of Life