Table 1 Proportion of correct responses to “key knowledge” questions
“Key knowledge” questions | N = 123 (%) |
|---|---|
1. Do you have cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)?* | 98 (87.5%) |
2. What type of liver disease do you have?** | 104 (85.2%) |
3. People who have cirrhosis should not drink alcohol | 115 (93.5%) |
4. It is safe for people with cirrhosis to take sleeping tablets and calmatives without discussing it with their liver doctor | 61 (49.6%) |
5. It is safe for people with cirrhosis to take natural remedies, herbs, or supplements without discussing it with their liver doctor | 59 (48.0%) |
6. For people with cirrhosis who have minor aches or pains, the following over-the-counter medications are safe to take:¥ (1) naproxen; (2) paracetamol; (3) ibuprofen; (4) aspirin; (5) diclofenac | 39 (40.6%) |
7. When should people with cirrhosis be screened for liver cancer?₤ (1) Never, people with cirrhosis are not at increased risk for liver cancer; (2) People with cirrhosis should be screened for liver cancer when their cirrhosis is decompensated; (3) People with cirrhosis should have an ultrasound every 6 months to screen for liver cancer; (4) I don’t know | 75 (62.0%) |
8. People with cirrhosis have an ultrasound every 6 months in order to:₤ (1) Determine liver function; (2) Look for gallstones; (3) Look for liver cancer; (4) I don’t know | 41 (33.9%) |