Pathogens
Fear of Disease Progression in Patients with Alveolar Echinococcosis: Associations with Psychological, Psychosocial, and Medical Factors
By Małgorzata Sulima, Agata Zdun‐Ryżewska, Magdalena Błażek and 1 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Alveolar echinococcosis is a chronic and potentially severe parasitic disease that often requires long-term treatment and is associated with considerable uncertainty regarding prognosis. These characteristics may contribute to significant psychological burden in affected individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the intensity of fear of disease progression among patients diagnosed with echinococcosis treated with different therapeutic approaches and to identify medical and psychosocial factors associated with higher levels of this fear.
Method
A total of 35 patients with a diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis participated in the study. Self-report questionnaires were used to measure anxiety, stress, and knowledge about the disease. Additional data were collected regarding the course of treatment and the nature of social responses after disclosure of the diagnosis.