ПОВЕДЕНИЕ И СУБЕКТИВНО ВЪЗПРИЕМАНЕ НА ПРЕДШЕСТВАЩИТЕ СИМПТОМИ НА ПАЦИЕНТИТЕ ПРЕДИ ПРИЕМАНЕ В БОЛНИЦА (пилотно изследване)
BEHAVIOR AND SUBJECTIVE PERCEPTION OF PRECEDING SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS PRIOR TO HOSPITAL ADMISSION (pilot study)

Summary/Abstract: Chronic diseases of the digestive system represent a significant global health issue, particularly among the elderly population. A comprehensive understanding of patients' subjective perception of symptoms and behaviors is essential for optimizing healthcare delivery and minimizing the risk of complications. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze patients' subjective perceptions and reactions to digestive symptoms prior to hospitalization, examining the impact of demographic, social, and health-related factors on their interpretation. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the gastroenterology department of SofiaMed University Hospital from February to June 2024. The participants included 30 patients, aged between 35 and 83 years, diagnosed with gastrointestinal disorders, excluding oncological diseases. The data collection was based on questionnaires that assessed the symptoms, their intensity, as well as patients' perceptions and reactions to these symptoms. Results: The most common symptoms reported by patients included joint pain (54%), fatigue (50%), and cardiovascular complaints (20%). A significant percentage of respondents did not seek medical assistance despite the presence of symptoms, with 30% completely ignoring them. A lack of adequate knowledge regarding the proper response to symptoms related to cardiovascular diseases was observed in 63.4% of participants. These results indicate a significant gap in health culture and awareness, suggesting a need for educational interventions and strategies to improve health literacy among patients. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of early recognition and appropriate response to symptoms related to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases. The data suggests that there is a need for interventions aimed at increasing health literacy, especially among the older population. It is recommended to develop educational programs and improve access to health services to promote early recognition and appropriate response to symptoms

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