Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: attitudes towards the condition and the importance of prevention

Dear respondent,

I am Evelina Pukin, a fourth-year nursing student of the Faculty of Medicine at Vilnius University. I am conducting a research study for my final thesis on the topic: "Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: attitudes towards the condition and the importance of prevention." The aim of the study is to determine how gastroesophageal reflux disease affects the quality of life of patients, what their lifestyle characteristics are, and what preventive measures are being applied. The results will help expand nurses' knowledge and experience, improve nursing actions, and enhance the quality of patient healthcare.

Participation in the study is voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from participation at any time without experiencing any negative consequences. The survey is anonymous – we will not collect any personal health information, and the answers will be used for research purposes only. The questionnaire can be filled out in both electronic and paper formats, ensuring complete anonymity.

By filling out this questionnaire, you confirm that you understand the provided information and agree to participate in the study. Please answer the questions below by selecting the most appropriate response option or writing your answer in the designated area. Some questions have open-ended response options that will allow you to freely express your opinion.

Thank you in advance for your time.

If you have any questions, please contact me via e-mail: [email protected]

Tulemused on saadaval ainult autorile

If you agree to participate in the study, please indicate: ✪

I. Sociodemographic Data

I.1 Gender ✪

I.2 Age ✪

I.3 Weight: Please enter your answer: ✪

I.4 BMI (Body Mass Index) ✪

I.5 Place of residence ✪

I.6 Education ✪

Your profession: Please enter your answer

II. Knowledge about the disease and its causes.

Please evaluate how much you agree with the statements regarding the information you receive about the disease:

1.1 I usually get information about my illness from my family doctor: ✪

1.2 I usually get information about my illness from the nurse: ✪

1.3 I often find information about my illness on the internet: ✪

1.4 I search for information about my illness on social media: ✪

1.5 I learn about my illness from relatives or friends: ✪

1.6 I learn about my illness from television/media: ✪

II.2 Please evaluate how effectively and consistently you manage to follow the recommendations of the healthcare specialist:

2.1 I follow the recommendations of the healthcare specialist consistently and effectively: ✪

2.2 I manage to follow the recommended nutritional changes: ✪

2.3 I incorporate the recommended lifestyle changes (e.g., physical activity, avoiding smoking) into my daily routine: ✪

2.4 I am motivated to follow the recommendations of the healthcare specialist regarding GERD management: ✪

2.5 The recommendations provided are clear and easy to apply in daily life: ✪

2.6 I feel that following the recommendations improves my well-being: ✪

III. Symptoms of the disease and their impact on the quality of life of patients.

3.1 How long have you been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? ✪

3.1.1 How often did symptoms occur in the past 2 weeks? For each question, please indicate the most appropriate option:

Evaluation scale: •0 days - 0 points, •1 day - 1 point, •2-3 days - 2 points, •4-7 days - 3 points.

3.2 How often did you feel a burning sensation behind the sternum (heartburn)? ✪

3.3 How often did you experience the backflow of stomach contents (liquid or food) into the throat or mouth (reflux)? ✪

3.4 How often did you feel pain in the center of the upper abdomen? ✪

3.5 How often did you experience nausea? ✪

3.6 How often did heartburn or the regurgitation of stomach contents interfere with your sleep? ✪

IV. Please answer the questions related to your experience with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) symptoms

For each question, please indicate the option that best reflects your experience according to the scale: No symptoms = 0; Symptoms are noticeable but not bothersome = 1; Symptoms are noticeable and bothersome, but not every day = 2; Symptoms are bothersome every day = 3; Symptoms affect daily activities = 4; Symptoms prevent me from performing daily activities = 5. This information will help accurately assess the impact of symptoms on your daily activities.

4.1 Do you feel heartburn after eating? ✪

4.2 Do you change your diet due to heartburn? ✪

4.3 Does heartburn wake you from your sleep? ✪

4.4 If you take medications, do they affect your daily life? ✪

4.5 Do you feel difficulty swallowing food? ✪

4.6 Do you feel pain when swallowing food? ✪

4.7 Do you feel bloating or gas accumulation? ✪

V. Preventive behaviors of patients with gastroesophageal reflux

5.1 How many times a day do you eat? ✪

5.2 Do you often eat large portions? ✪

5.3 Do you often eat late at night (2 hours before sleep)? ✪

5.4 Do you smoke? ✪

5.5 Do you exercise regularly? ✪

5.6 How often do you consume the following products?:

5.6.1 Fried or fatty dishes ✪

5.6.2 Spicy dishes ✪

5.6.3 Citrus fruits or their juices ✪

5.6.4 Products containing tomatoes ✪

5.6.5 Chocolate ✪

5.6.6 Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, carbonated drinks) ✪

5.6.7 Alcoholic beverages ✪

5.6.8 Carbonated drinks ✪

Thank you for your participation!