Survey on rheumatic disease symptom recognition by the general population

Abstract

Introduction/ObjectivesTo assess people's level of recognition of rheumatic disease symptoms and their awareness that the rheumatologist is the main effector when it comes to these disorders. Materials and methodsSurvey performed in 8 towns in the Buenos Aires Province. Every town had at least one rheumatologist. Three clinical cases were presented: (1) inflammatory low back pain, (2) systemic disease, and (3) chronic polyarthritis. The population was asked whether (a) a physician should be immediately consulted, or (b) they could wait. They were asked whether they would advocate any initial treatment. They were also asked which physician should be consulted. ResultsOut of 150 surveys, 68% were female, the average age was 51.7 years old. Most people asserted that treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs should come first: 83% in inflammatory low back pain, 70% in systemic disease, and 70% in chronic polyarthritis (p=0.02). The number of men that suggested waiting was higher (47% vs. 28% of women; p=0.04). A rheumatologist was recommended by 51% for chronic polyarthritis, 15% for systemic disease, and 8% for inflammatory low back pain (p<0.0001). Thirty-eight percent of those who never considered consulting a rheumatologist had elementary education vs. 19% of those who considered consulting a rheumatologist for one of the 3 cases (p=0.01) ConclusionsChronic polyarthritis was the disease people identified best as within the rheumatologist's field of expertise. Men tended to delay consultation more than women. Consultation is less likely when the level of education is lower.