Knowledge of patients regarding their disease condition following treatment at a general hospital

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of patients regarding their disease condition following treatment at a general hospital. A convenient sample of 100 patients who were leaving the General Hospital, Peradeniya, after obtaining care were interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, to determine their awareness of the diagnosis, any special investigations that had been carried out and the treatment plan. The patients were graded into 4 categories depending on the level of knowledge they possessed. It was found that on the whole, patients had limited knowledge about various aspects of their condition. Patients with chronic conditions were better informed than those who had reported with some acute problem. There was a tendency of patients who had received more formal education having more knowledge.