Gout Knowledge: A Survey of Australian Outpatients with Gout

The prevalence of gout has increased in the Western societies due to ageing and increasing BMI. Recently, lifestyle and dietary factors have been linked in epidemiological studies with an alteration of the risk of gout; however, there remains a lack of data on patient knowledge of these factors. The purpose of this survey-based study was to determine the knowledge of gout and its treatment both in the community and specialist care settings.

Participants were recruited from a hospital rheumatology outpatient department, consumer organization and a random sample of participants from a population-based cohort who had self-reported gout in South Australia. Participants completed a survey regarding basic demographics, the Single Item Literacy Screener, use of medication and diet for treatment of their gout and knowledge of gout.

Seventy-four people were recruited (87% male) with a mean age of 66 years (range 35-88). The mean duration of gout was 16.6 years (range 0-60). On screening with SILS, 19.0% were identified as having limited reading ability. Most gout was managed by the family practitioner (81.1%) and/or rheumatologist (18.9%). In regard to current gout medications, 52.7% were taking allopurinol, 17.6% colchicine, 9.5% non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 6.8% prednisolone and 5.4% herbal preparations. For further information regarding gout, participants would most commonly approach their general practitioner (85.1%). Most participants correctly identified certain triggers to gout attacks and almost half of participants (41.9%) reported that they had altered their diet due to gout. Conversely, participants often incorrectly identified common risk or protective factors for gout.

Gout remains a common, yet undertreated, chronic condition. Our study highlights a lack of knowledge amongst patients of risk and protective factors in relation to gout. The increasing prevalence of gout within the population indicates a need to improve education and understanding among those with the condition.