Factors Influencing Patients’ Awareness of the Benefits of Patch Testing: A Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Background: Patch testing is a well-established method of diagnosing contact dermatitis; although it is a complex and time consuming process.
Objective: To determine the factors influencing patients’ awareness of the benefit of patch testing by using a questionnaire survey.
Methods: This is a descriptive study using 28 questions to survey in the patients who consecutively visited the contact dermatitis clinic, Siriraj Hospital during 2010. The survey concerned about patients’ perceptions about our contact dermatitis clinic services in several dimensions. The satisfaction score ranges from least (1) to most (5) satisfaction.
Results: There were 150 patients, 22 males (15%) and 128 females (85%) (M:F ratio: 1:6) with mean age of 40.8 years (range, 16-71 years). The patients with bachelor degree or higher background showed statistically significant increases associated with the ability to remember, avoid allergens and recognize allergens in personal products (p=0.02, p < 0.00 and p=0.03, respectively). There was a significant difference in patients’ satisfaction regarding the test procedure (p=0.04) in age groups of 21-40 years old and >40 years old (Mean=4.17 and 4.43, respectively). The lower educational group had significantly more satisfaction about medical educational sheet than the higher educational level group (Mean=4.40 and 4.18, respectively, p=0.05).
Conclusion: The patients have the high level of satisfactions towards the service at the contact dermatitis clinic, Siriraj Hos- pital. Factors influencing patients’ awareness of the benefits and results of patch testing are age and educational background.