AB1650-PARE EVALUATION OF PATIENTS’ KNOWLEDGES ON RAYNAUD PHENOMENON IN ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS: A STUDY IN ARAB COUNTRIES
Authors: H. Abida, F. Daoud, M. Somai, I. Arbaoui, B. Ben Dhaou, F. Boussema, I. Rachdi, Z. Aydi
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Raynaud phenomenon (RP) is one of the most common manifestations of connective tissue diseases (CTD). Hygiene measures are crucial for its management. Yet, compliance to these measures require good knowledge of the symptoms. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To evaluate knowledge of CTD patients in Arab countries regarding RP. <h3>Methods:</h3> A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out during the month of December 2023, based on an anonymous Google Forms questionnaire shared with patients who are members of arab support groups for Systemic Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjogren Syndrome. Questions were either open and non-suggestive or with suggested choices. <h3>Results:</h3> Forty-six patients answered. The mean age was 41,08 years [22;90]. Countries of participants were as follows: Tunisia (n=30); Jordan (n=4); Egypt (n=4); Morocco (n=3); Algeria (n=2); Syria (n=2); Libya (n=1); Irak (n=1) and Oman (n=1). Patients' CTDs were: Systemic sclerosis (n=19); Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (n=22) and Sjogren Syndrome (n=5). The mean duration of RP was 10,66 years [1;45]. For the question "What do you know about RP?", answers were as follow: N=nothing (n=23); it is a change of finger's coloration to blue then white then back to normal (n=10); it is a reaction to cold (n=9); the mechanism is constriction of finger vessels (n=8); the mechanism is abnormal low blood flow in fingers (n=6); it can be caused by stress (n=5); it can cause necrosis (n=3);it is a symptom of my autoimmune disease (n=3); it is an autoimmune disease (n=1). The mean score was 0,48 [0;2]. Twenty-six patients didn't know if smoking worsens RP (56,5%) and two though it doesn't (4,3%). Forty patients knew that cold weather may worsen RP (87%). Measures reported by patients in order to prevent RP were: wearing gloves (n=15); no measures (n=14); staying in warm spaces (n=12); avoiding touching cold surfaces (n=8); avoiding stress (n=6); using hand moisturizers (n=3); using hot water (n=4); wearing thick clothes (n=4); avoiding smoke (n=1). The mean score was 0;96 [0;4]. Twenty-eight patients reported that their doctors didn't explain RP (60%) and 24 do not recall being informed about hygienic measures (52,1%). Seventeen patients confirmed not adhering to these measures (37,7%). Reasons reported were: to avoid people's questions (n=5); I don't have heating facilities in my house (n=3); I am not allowed wearing gloves at work (n=1); I don't have access to warm water (n=2); I can't control stress (n=2); Regarding psychological impact of RP, feelings described were: bad body image (n=8); fear (n=6); anxiety (n=6); loneliness; (n=3); weakness (n=3); deprivation (n=2); sadness (n=1). Absence of education by the doctor was associated with lower patient knowledge score (p=0,028), lower knowledge of measures score (p=0,001) and lower adherence to hygiene measures (p=0,027). No significant correlation was found between the CTD and the different RP knowledge scores. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> Overall knowledge regarding RP was not satisfying in our patients. This seems to be partially explained by the lack of patient education, and may lead to less adherence to hygiene measures. More academic and personalized training for professionals managing patients with RP can help solve this problem. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>