Patients' knowledge of their chronic disease: The influence of socio-demographic characteristics

Background This study investigated which patient socio-demographic factors are associated with being unaware of their chronic disease. Methods Secondary analysis of data from the Point of Care Testing in General Practice Trial studying patients with diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and cardiovascular disease requiring anticoagulation. Patient questionnaires were compared with their general practitioner's records. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, determining which patients were more likely to be unaware of their chronic disease. Results A large proportion of patients were unaware of their chronic diseases (27% with hyperlipidaemia, 15% prescribed anticoagulation, 5% with diabetes). Patient factors associated with being unaware include residing in rural or remote regions of Australia. Discussion Self management, a pillar of chronic disease management, is unachievable if patients are unaware of their condition. At practice and policy levels, identifying then targeting patients most likely to be unaware of their conditions with evidence based interventions, can facilitate self management.