3/2007Estimation of knowledge level about allergy and prophylaxis among patients with house dust mite allergy

NINA JAKUBIK (Zakład Profilaktyki Zagrożeń Środowiskowych Akademii Medycznej w Warszawie; Kierownik: prof. dr hab. med. Bolesław Samoliński)

Background
Allergy and respiratory infection are the most common cause of consultation in GP’ practice.

Material and methods
Research was carried out among patients of Allergy Clinic of SPCSK at Medical University in Warsaw, using author’s questionnaire. 150 questionnaires were analyzed: 100 from patients with HDM allergy, 30 from patients with pollen allergy and 20 from “healthy” people (prick tests “–“). Estimation of knowledge was made by comparing answers to the prevention methods and setting them points (0 – no consistent, 100 – consistent with prevention methods).

Results
Statistical differences in questionnaire estimation was found between patients with HDM allergy and with pollen allergy living in average and large cities (p = 0.004) and between patients with HDM allergy and healthy people living in villages and small towns (p = 0.003). Mean number of points in the group of patients with HDM allergy was 46.75/100 (average and large cities) and 51.53/100 (villages and small towns).

Key words: allergy, house dust mites, prevention