Research Article: Knowledge gaps, psychological burden, and patient-reported symptom severity and daily functioning in autoimmune gastritis: a observational survey of Chinese patients
Abstract:
Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by autoimmune-mediated damage to the gastric mucosa, leading to gastric atrophy and may trigger serious complications such as vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge gaps, psychological burden and patient-reported symptom severity and daily functioning (PR-SSDF) among Chinese patients with AIG.
A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was distributed to 130 eligible AIG patients, of whom 113 participants fully completed the survey, achieving a response rate of 86.9%. The questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, disease-related knowledge, lifestyle behaviors, as well as AIG-related impacts on patients’ daily activities and mental wellbeing.
The majority of respondents were female (66.36%), with the highest proportion in the 40–65?years age group (64.55%). A significant portion of patients had been diagnosed with AIG for less than a year (49.09%). Most resided in urban areas (63.64%). Perceived knowledge about AIG was found to be limited, with only a minority of patients achieved adequate disease comprehension. The majority of patients reported experiencing symptoms that affected their daily life and occupational activities. A substantial proportion of patients also reported experiencing extra-gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological distress following diagnosis. The majority of patients were covered by some form of medical insurance, with the largest group having employee medical insurance (87.27%).
Our results reveal prominent self-perceived knowledge inadequacies, psychological distress, and impaired daily functioning among Chinese AIG patients, indicating an urgent need for tailored disease education and psychological support interventions.
Introduction:
Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by autoimmune-mediated damage to the gastric mucosa, leading to gastric atrophy and may trigger serious complications such as vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge gaps, psychological burden and patient-reported symptom severity and daily functioning (PR-SSDF) among Chinese patients with AIG.
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