Autoimmune diseases are a group of complex and chronic disorders that arise from an abnormal immune response, where the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages healthy cells and tissues in the body. These conditions encompass a wide range of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes, among others. Autoimmune diseases can affect various organs and systems, leading to significant morbidity and impaired quality of life for affected individuals [1-4].

Autoimmune diseases arise from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and dysregulated immune responses. While the exact causes of most autoimmune diseases remain unknown, research suggests that a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contribute to their development [5-6].

The symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary widely depending on the specific condition and the organs affected. Common symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, muscle weakness, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Due to the broad spectrum of symptoms and the potential for overlap with other conditions, diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be challenging, often requiring a comprehensive evaluation of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of autoimmune diseases are essential for controlling symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preventing complications. However, delays in diagnosis and treatment are common, partially due to the lack of awareness and understanding among patients and healthcare providers [7-10].

Assessing the level of awareness and understanding regarding autoimmune diseases is crucial for healthcare providers to tailor patient education programs, improve early detection and management, and address knowledge gaps. The objective of this study is to examine the awareness and understanding of autoimmune diseases among patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital, Nurpur. The findings will guide the development of targeted educational initiatives, improve patient awareness, enhance early detection, and promote timely and appropriate management of autoimmune diseases. Improving knowledge and understanding regarding autoimmune diseases among patients attending Civil Hospital, Nurpur, can lead to earlier diagnosis, better disease management, improved quality of life, and enhanced patient-provider communication and shared decision-making.

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the level of awareness and understanding of autoimmune diseases among patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital, Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh 

Research Methodology

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Hospital based cross-sectional survey design

• Setting of the Study: OPD in Civil hospital Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh

• Study Duration: Between January 2023- April 2023

• Study Population: Patients aged above 30 years came to OPD 

• Sample Size: 400 patients, assuming 50% have adequate knowledge regarding autoimmune diseases, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level, and 5% non-response rate

• Sampling Technique: Convenience Sampling technique

• Sampling Criteria: First five patients who came to OPD were selected everyday till the completion of sample size after explaining the purpose of the study.

Informed consent was taken from them and confidentiality of the selected participants was also maintained

• Inclusive Criteria: Patients who were willing to participate in the study

• Exclusion Criteria: Patients who were not willing to participate in the study

Description of Tool

• Demographic Data Survey Instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education, family’s monthly income etc

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions having three options (yes, no, don’t know).  The participants have to choose right one. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80% (16-20) = very good,60-79% (12-15) = Good,41-59% (8-11) = Fair,<40% (<8) = poor

• Validity of Tool: By the experts in this field

• Data collection by under the guidance of supervisors and patients were given 30 minutes time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time

• Data analysis with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies, percentage

The goal of the current study was to assess the awareness about autoimmune diseases among patients attending outpatient department of civil hospital, Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh.

A total of 400 respondents including 234 (58.5%) male patients and 166 (41.5%) female patients were participated in the study. Among the total, 109 (27.25%) were from urban area and 291 (72.75%) were from rural area.

Table 1: Knowledge Regarding Autoimmune Diseases Among Study Participants

Table 2: Knowledge Score Regarding Autoimmune Diseases Among Study Participants

In the present study 14.25% (57) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards autoimmune diseases, 31.25% (125) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 35% (140) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 19.5% (78) having poor knowledge (<8 marks).

The present study aimed to examine the awareness and understanding regarding autoimmune diseases among patients attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital in Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh. Autoimmune diseases are complex conditions that require early detection and appropriate management for optimal outcomes. Assessing the level of awareness and understanding is crucial for developing targeted educational interventions and addressing knowledge gaps in patient populations.

The study assessed patients' familiarity with common autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. The findings indicated that patients had differing levels of knowledge regarding these conditions. Identifying specific areas of low familiarity can guide educational interventions and improve patient awareness.

The study examined patients' knowledge of symptoms and risk factors associated with autoimmune diseases. It was observed that patients had varying levels of understanding regarding the diverse range of symptoms and the potential triggers for autoimmune diseases. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial for early recognition of symptoms and timely medical intervention.

The study also assessed patients' awareness of available diagnostic methods for autoimmune diseases. It was found that patients had differing levels of knowledge regarding laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic approaches. Improving patient awareness of these methods can encourage timely medical evaluation and accurate diagnosis.

The study investigated patients' knowledge of available treatment options for autoimmune diseases. The findings indicated that patients had differing levels of familiarity with various treatment modalities, including medications, lifestyle modifications, and supportive therapies. Enhancing patient knowledge regarding treatment options can empower them to actively participate in their own healthcare management.

The findings of this study have important implications for patient education and healthcare providers. Tailored educational interventions can bridge knowledge gaps, increase patient awareness, and improve informed decision-making related to autoimmune diseases. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in delivering accurate information, addressing patient concerns, and offering appropriate support and treatment options.

Limitations and Future Directions

The study has certain limitations. The findings are based on self-reported data and may be subject to recall bias or social desirability bias. Additionally, the study was conducted in a specific healthcare setting in Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions or settings. Future research should include larger sample sizes, diverse populations, and multiple healthcare facilities to obtain a comprehensive understanding of awareness and understanding regarding autoimmune diseases among the general public.

The study highlight the specific areas of low awareness, including the familiarity with different autoimmune diseases, knowledge of symptoms and risk factors, awareness of diagnostic methods, and understanding of treatment options. Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential for early detection, timely diagnosis, and appropriate management of autoimmune diseases. The findings also emphasize the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve patient awareness, knowledge, and shared decision-making related to autoimmune diseases.

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