ABSTRACT: Rheumatic diseases cover a number of conditions, affecting individuals of different ages in many ways. Modern medicine provides a number of opportunities for better diagnosis and implementation of highly effective treatments. However, strangulation of diagnosis and access to appropriate care remain a serious problem worldwide. The aim of the present study is to examine the knowledge of students and young professionals about rheumatic diseases. Material and methods: An anonymous questionnaire surveyed 100 students and young professionals about their awareness of rheumatic diseases. The results were processed with SPSS v. 20.0, using variational and comparative analyzes. For significance level we assume p <0.05. Results: The study involved 100 students and young professionals, 61% of whom are women and in the age group 20-24 years. According to 82.0%, the diagnosis of rheumatic patients is not easy, 84% indicate that the diagnosis of the disease is delayed. Interestingly, 71.4% of respondents indicated that the diagnosis is easy, but the diagnosis is delayed. Nearly half of the respondents indicate that rheumatic diseases do not progress quickly (49.0%), but 94.0% believe that these diseases lead to disability of patients. A significant part of the respondents support the thesis that rheumatic diseases have a family burden (82.0%). Conclusion: The results of the present study show that young professionals are informed about the main issues related to rheumatic diseases, but there are gaps in their knowledge that could affect their future work and it is necessary to conduct additional courses to increase their awareness and competence.

Keywords: young specialists, rheumatic diseases, awareness

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