Empathy, psychological characteristics, and compliance in patients with chronic gastritis

Aim. To study the associations between empathy, anxiety, and compliance in patients with chronic gastritis.

Materials and Methods. Here we recruited 302 patients with chronic gastritis, further stratifed into 4 groups: 1) 96 patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis and high compliance; 2) 110 patients negative for Helicobacter pylori and also having high compliance; 3) 36 patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis and low compliance; 4) 60 patients with Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis and partial compliance. Empathy was evaluated using Consultation and Relational Empathy Measure (CARE Measure) questionnaire, whilst anxiety was determined using the Spielberger-Khanin questionnaire.

Results. The highest Helicobacter pylori eradication rate was observed in patients with high empathy and adherence and vice versa. Correlation analysis showed that physician interpersonal skills, therapeutic success, and adherence to treatment were positively associated with patient empathy and negatively associated with patient anxiety.

Conclusion. Doctor-patient relationship defnes the patient compliance, while patient empathy is a key factor determining adherence to treatment in patients with chronic gastritis.

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