More than three-quarters of Poles do not know what autoimmune diseases are, which include, among others, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease, a study by the Homo Homini Opinion Research Institute showed.
Even if the respondents declared knowledge about them, it was often untrue.
Only 25 percent. out of 1371 adults surveyed, they judged that they knew what autoimmune diseases were, but only three-quarters of them correctly indicated that they are chronic diseases that develop as a result of an attack by the immune system on the cells and tissues of their own body. 43 percent from the group declaring knowledge about autoimmune diseases mistakenly thought that they can be cured.
Meanwhile, they are still incurable, but thanks to appropriately selected therapy, most patients can lead an active life in the family, professional and social fields.
The most common autoimmune diseases were psoriasis (91% of all respondents) and ulcerative colitis (57% of all respondents), which belong to the group of diseases defined as inflammatory bowel disease. About another disease classified here, the so-called Crohn’s disease, only 12 percent have heard. respondents, although recently it was much more often presented in the press and other media.
As assessed in an interview with PAP, Dr. Małgorzata Mossakowska, the founder of the Polish Society for Supporting People with IBD “J-elita”, probably results from the fact that the name “ulcerative colitis” evokes specific associations in people, while the name Leśniowski’s disease – Crohn’s is much more difficult to associate with specific symptoms.
It is estimated that in Poland from 10 to 15 thousand people suffer from Crohn’s disease. people, while with ulcerative colitis struggle from 35 to 40 thousand. sick.
These diseases are accompanied by troublesome, painful symptoms that hinder everyday functioning, such as severe abdominal pain, diarrhea (even 20 or more bowel movements during the day) lasting for weeks or months, blood in the stool, rapid weight loss, constant fatigue, increased temperature.
Although people of all ages and sexes suffer from Crohn’s disease, it is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35. In contrast, ulcerative colitis is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40.
Despite the fact that in the latest survey, most respondents declared knowledge about psoriasis – 91%. of all – a quarter of them mistakenly considered it contagious.
Skin lesions accompanying the disease, which may occur in visible places (such as the scalp, hands, nails) and the still-functioning myth about its contagiousness, cause that people with psoriasis are often discriminated against and lonely.
“It’s a result of the fact that knowledge about psoriasis is still small, although it has improved significantly in recent years. I think that if the study was carried out 10 years ago, the percentage of people who believed that psoriasis could be contracted could be 70%. ” – told PAP Małgorzata Kułakowska, vice president of the Polish Association of Psoriasis Patients.
She estimated that psoriasis could be confused by people with, for example, mycosis. Therefore, it is considered a shameful disease. “I believe that no disease is embarrassing, but I have only thought that for several years, when I started seeing other sick people,” she explained.
She admitted that sometimes she is not even surprised by the reaction of people who, due to the lack of knowledge about psoriasis, react with fear or reluctance when they see skin lesions. “That is why our association fights to speak out about the disease. Thanks to this, the sick have a chance to function better in society and not feel that they are rejected, ”said Kułakowska.
According to estimates, about 1 million people in Poland may suffer from psoriasis. (PAP)
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