Knowledge and Attitude towards Gout and its Management: A Cross - Sectional Study

Gout incidence and prevalence have surged in recent years, reflecting population risk factors and the cultural transmission of predisposing habits of diet and behavior. Fortunately, the rising prevalence of gout has brought a renewed interest in its biology, diagnosis, and treatment. A cross - sectional, descriptive study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude towards gout and its management among the general population residing in Bhuri Village, Gautam Budh Nagar, UP. Sampling technique was convenience sampling and sample size was 200. Subjects above 18 years of age and those willing to participate in the study were considered as inclusion criteria. An online semi - structured questionnaire was developed via Google forms, Likert scale was used to assess the attitude level. Data was analysed by using descriptive statistics. Results: Amongst the subjects 75% belonged to the age group 18 - 30 years, 69% were females and 31% were males. Majority of subjects (34 %) were graduates.81 % were unmarried and 71 % belonged to nuclear family. Total knowledge score was calculated and secured 1792 out of 3000, overall mean knowledge score was 8.9 and standard deviation was ?2.8. Majority of subjects i. e.; 57% had average knowledge, 32% had very good knowledge and whereas 11% had poor knowledge. Majority 42% of the subjects agreed that ayurvedic medicine is the best treatment for gout as compared to allopathic medicine.50.5% agreed that people with high blood pressure or kidney disease are at a higher risk for developing gout flare.56.5% agreed that mild exercise reduces the risk of gout. About 38.5% had neutral attitude that gout re - occurs within 8 days after gout surgery. According to 40.5% agreed that tophi are developed if uric acid crystals formation is increased in joints. It is concluded that health program measures should be carried out to increase the awareness regarding gout.