Key result
Teens with congenital heart disease had average knowledge deficits of 19% in medical and lifestyle areas, and 53% in pregnancy/family planning, with significant sex differences.
Why the study?
To evaluate medical and lifestyle-related areas of knowledge of teens with CHD to help identify targets for potential intervention, based on the 2011 AHA best practices statement.
Cohort (n=401)
Yes
Teens and young adults with CHD exhibit significant knowledge deficits, particularly regarding pregnancy and family planning, indicating a need for improved transition education.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Teens with CHD show knowledge gaps; supports targeted education but leaves open whether it improves transition outcomes.
Background: The 2011 American Heart Association best practices statement on transition for young adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) addresses both medical transfer of care and transition to independent adulthood. The statement specifically includes information regarding both medical and lifestyle issues. The aim of this study is to evaluate medical and lifestyle-related areas of knowledge of teens with CHD to help identify targets for potential intervention. Methods: Multicenter cohort study using a validated transition readiness assessment questionnaire, divided into medical, lifestyle and, for females, pregnancy/family planning knowledge. Results were reported as knowledge deficit, or percentage of items that respondents indicated they did not know. Results: 401 patients were included across four U.S. tertiary care centers (median age 18.7 years, range 14-25). Average perceived medical knowledge deficit was 19%, lifestyle knowledge deficit was 19%, and pregnancy/family planning knowledge deficit was 53%. Despite similar combined scores, females outperformed males in medical knowledge (P = 0.03), while males outperformed females in lifestyle knowledge (P < 0.001). Moderate CHD complexity patients scored highest in medical knowledge, while simple CHD scored lowest (P = 0.01), and CHD complexity did not affect lifestyle scores. Taking cardiac medications or having an IEP, had no effect. Conclusion: Teens and young adults with CHD exhibit similar overall knowledge between medical and lifestyle factors, but differences exist between males and females in each subcategory. Efforts to improve patient knowledge are needed, particularly for those with simple and complex CHD, and improving information regarding pregnancy and family planning.
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Harrison et al. (2021) conducted a cohort in Congenital heart disease (n=401). Sex and CHD complexity was evaluated on Knowledge deficit (percentage of items respondents indicated they did not know). Teens with congenital heart disease had average knowledge deficits of 19% in medical and lifestyle areas, and 53% in pregnancy/family planning, with significant sex differences.
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