Evaluation of knowledge level of adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease: Effectiveness of a structured CHD education program in adolescents

BackgroundAdolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) constitute a growing population of individuals for whom a well-planned and well-executed “transition process” is essential. Transition program should include education about medical conditions and promote skills in decision-making and self-care. To improve their level of health related knowledge, a structured education program was implemented in a transition CHD program. This study aimed 1/to evaluate level of knowledge of adolescents who received structured CHD education as compared to adults who did not, 2/to evaluate whether patients who received structured education improve their knowledge.Methods and results42 adolescents (16±2years old, 21 girls) were included in a structured CHD education program and were compared to 22 adults (33±7, 6 women) with CHD who have never followed education program. Knowledge in adolescents was assessed before and after the educational program using questionnaire exploring specific issues related to CHD. A same questionnaire was used in non-educated adult patients. The mean total knowledge score in the educated adolescent group was significantly higher as compared to the non-educated adult with CHD (score=15.6/20±3.6 vs. 12.5±4.5, P