Objective:

To evaluate knowledge gaps, psychological burden, and patient-reported symptom severity and daily functioning among Chinese patients with Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG).

Approach:

• Study Design: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 130 eligible AIG patients, with 113 completing the survey.
• Data Collection: The questionnaire collected sociodemographic characteristics, disease-related knowledge, lifestyle behaviors, and impacts on daily activities and mental wellbeing.

Key Findings:

• 66.36% of respondents were female, with 64.55% aged 40-65 years.
• 49.09% had been diagnosed with AIG for less than a year.
• 63.64% of patients resided in urban areas.
• Limited knowledge about AIG was reported, with few achieving adequate disease comprehension.
• Patients experienced significant symptoms affecting daily life and occupational activities.
• Extra-gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological distress were common post-diagnosis.
• 87.27% of patients had some form of medical insurance.

Interpretation:

The study reveals self-perceived knowledge inadequacies, psychological distress, and impaired daily functioning among Chinese AIG patients.

Limitations:

• The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
• The sample may not be representative of all AIG patients in China.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest a need for improved disease education and psychological support for AIG patients.