[Correlations among disease perceptions, attitudes and self-care behaviors in patients with interstitial cystitis]

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is an enigmatic disease that currently remains incurable. Failure to adopt positive self-care behaviors can exacerbate recurrent clinical symptoms and significantly affect a patient's capacity to function normally in work, family and social setting. Proper disease perception can improve patient attitudes toward disease management and positively influence behavior.

This study investigated correlations between disease perceptions, attitudes and self-care behaviors in patients with interstitial cystitis.

This study used a cross-sectional method and enrolled 82 outpatients currently receiving treatment for interstitial cystitis at a medical center in East Taiwan. A structured questionnaires filled out individually and submitted by mail was used for date collection.

(1) The mean perception scale score was 7.6, with 63.3% providing correct responses. (2) The mean attitude score of 3.5 indicated respondents held positive attitudes. (3) The mean self-care behavior score of 3.4 indicated a leaning toward "occasional" self-care behavior. (4) Correlations among disease perception, attitude and self-care behavior in participants exhibited a significant, mild and positive correlation. (5) Higher education level correlated positively with insight and attitude toward interstitial cystitis. Participants with lower "current voiding problems" had a more positive attitude toward their disease. Participants with higher "numbers of painful sites" had better disease perception and better self care behaviors. Patients reporting "symptoms aggravated by other conditions" also had better interstitial cystitis perception.

We found positive correlations among disease perceptions, attitudes and self-care behaviors in patients with interstitial cystitis. We strongly recommend that all healthcare providers evaluate patient disease perception extent. Nurses should provide patients with correct disease concepts, and encourage positive attitudes and self-caring behaviors toward interstitial cystitis.