Sense of coherence (SOC) and level of knowledge about the disease in patients with a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis – preliminary study

Abstract

The level of the Sense of Coherence (SOC) is related to health. High SOC level makes people believe in life predictability and order which in turn motivates them to be healthy and functional.

Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the levels of SOC and knowledge about the disease in patients with chronic hepatitis and to search for relationship between them in the aspect of regaining optimum health.

Material and methodology. The study included 60 patients (33 women and 27 men) with chronic liver failure who were hospitalized on the liver diseases ward, Voivodship Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Bydgoszcz. SOC level was assessed using Antonovsky’s SOC-29 questionnaire and the level of knowledge was estimated using questionnaire constructed by the authors of the study.

Results. The patients had sufficient knowledge about their disease but level of SOC was lowered (114.73). Also influence of variables on the SOC level was observed.

Conclusions. Psychoeducation based on SOC is necessary in order to support patients in situation which they find difficult to be dealt with on their own (the disease).