Adolescent knowledge of bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if adolescents with congenital heart disease have adequate knowledge of bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis.

DESIGN

Forty-eight adolescents attending a congenital heart disease summer camp were asked to complete an eight-question survey to assess their knowledge of heart disease, endocarditis, and endocarditis prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Forty-five of 48 (94%) completed the questionnaire. Thirty-one (69%) knew the name of their heart disease. Two correctly defined endocarditis. None knew measures which could prevent endocarditis. Although 36 (80%) knew they needed to take "a medicine" prior to dental procedures, only 18 (40%) knew that an antibiotic was needed. There were significant gender differences for knowledge of antibiotics and for knowledge of current medications. However, patient gender and regular use of cardiac medications did not correlate significantly with knowledge of endocarditis or bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

Whereas most adolescents know the names of their heart lesions and current medications, knowledge of endocarditis and bacterial endocarditis prevention and prophylaxis is inadequate.