Investigation of Delay in The Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Associated Factors on The Diagnosis Process

Abstract

Aim: Since Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an insidious disease, delays may occur in the diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to reveal the initial symptoms, determine the duration between initial symptoms and the time of diagnosis and associated socio-demographic factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Rheumatology, University of Health Sciences Gulhane Medical Faculty in April 2015 – June 2016. A survey with 25 questions prepared by the researchers was applied to 269 participants by face-to-face interview method. Results: The median duration of the delay time in diagnosis was 2 (0.08-16) years (mean; 3.28 ± 3.32) years. The current median age was 27 (19-70) years, the median age at onset of symptoms was 21 (4-64) years, and the median age at diagnosis was 24 (11-66) years. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between the delay time in diagnosis and the current age (r=0.195, p=0.001) and the age at diagnosis (r=0.247, p