Krauthammer A^1,2, Harel T³, Zevit N^1,2, Shouval DS^3,2, Shamir R^1,2, Weiss B^3,2. Acta Paediatr. 2020 Feb 5. doi: 10.1111/apa.15211. [Epub ahead of print]

Author information

1 Institute of Gastroenterology, Nutrition and Liver Diseases, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel.

2 Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.

3 Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.

Abstract

AIM: To describe factors that might affect successful transition in young adult patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

METHODS: Questionnaires regarding the personal disease history, treatment and diseases specific knowledge and patients' self-efficacy were completed by teenaged IBD patients aged 14 -18 years, during routine clinic visits. Patient answers were then compared to information obtained from the medical records and information provided by treating physician.

RESULTS: 80 IBD patients, 54(67.5%) with Crohn's disease were included. Patients demonstrated good knowledge in their personal disease history and current treatment. Knowledge gaps were observed in medication dosages, knowledge of potential side effects, and effects of smoking on disease, with only 53/80(66%), 12/80(15%) and 6/36(16.7%) of patients providing correct answers. Only 25/36(69.4%) of the patients aged 16-18 had read about their disease. All patients in 16-18 age group reported needing assistance to schedule a gastroenterologist appointment.

CONCLUSION: Knowledge and self-efficacy skills of IBD teenagers are sub optimal regarding medications, smoking and appointment management. Medical providers should work with parents and teenaged IBD patients to allow them to attain missing information, and promote self-efficacy skills, in order to reinforce readiness towards transition.