Knowledge and Attitudes on Food and Drug Allergies among Hospitalized Adult Patients in Teaching Hospital Karapitiya

Abstract

Prevalence of drug and food allergies is increasing and no known cure, so community awareness of signs, symptoms and treatments of allergic reactions is vital. General public has to play a big role in taking care of children with allergies as it has become a major health concern worldwide. In the west as well as in South East Asia prevalence of allergic diseases has reported to be increased. To evaluate the knowledge and attitudes on food and drug allergies among hospitalized adult patients. Method: a cross sectional study was carried out among randomly selected 120 hospitalized adult patients in teaching hospital, Karapitiya. Data collection was done using a pre tested structured interviewer administered questionnaire during the period of two months in 2013. Knowledge of sign and symptoms, common drug and food allergens, treatments available and preventive actions was assessed using both open ended and close ended questions .Overall score was categorized in to three groups (Poor, average and good). Attitudes were assessed using five statements. Out of 120, 62% (n=74) were males and 32% (n=46) were females in the study sample. The average knowledge score was 18.173.9 of SD out of 37.Nearly 75% (n=87) knew that allergy should be treated promptly. But only 50% (n=60) was able to identify allergy as a fatal condition. Further Itching (109, 90%), raised bumps on the skin (112, 93%), itching on the tongue (94, 78%), wheezing (64, 53%), sneezing (56, 46%), were identified by considerable percentage of patients. Only 4 people out of 120 were able to select all the major allergens correctly. At the same time more than 80% believed that allergy has a cure. Most of the subjects selected pineapple (113, 94%) tomatoes (112, 93%) shellfish 108, (90%) and Fish (84, 70%) as common food allergens and 46 %( n=56) identified penicillin as a drug allergen. Only 15% of patients had heard of histamine blockers are taken as a treatment. More than 80% of participants gave correct response for attitudes which shows positive attitudes. The need of training programmes was highlighted. Awareness on allergies is not satisfactory. Several important aspects of allergies such as sign and symptoms, major food and drug allergens, treatments available and preventive actions need to be improved. Pattern of allergies may be different when compared to the west. The demand for advanced health education programmes and training programmes has become a need.