Quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases in the Czech Republic - a multicentre study
Abstract
Introduction: Assessment of quality of life and other functional results in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become an essential part of patient evaluation, including assessment of the efficacy of medical therapy. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to medical therapy, employment rate and ability to work, and quality of life and knowledge of IBD among IBD patients in the Czech Republic.
Methods: Patients were alerted to the study by their attending gastroenterologist or nurse, by the organisers of the annual patients' conference, or via the website of Patients IBD organisation. They completed a questionnaire comprising 47 questions divided into five sections.
The majority of the participants completed the print version of the questionnaire, with only a small number using the online version. Results: In total, 1,228 IBD patients from all regions of the Czech Republic participated in this survey.
Two-thirds suffered from Crohn's disease, and the remainder were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or IBD unclassified. At the time of the survey, most patients were in remission.
One-third of patients (34.4%) reported intermittent non-adherence, which was unintended (due to forgetfulness) in most cases (76%). Adherence to medical therapy was higher in older patients and those interested in information about IBD.
The ability to work and quality of life were also impaired in IBD patients. Conclusion: Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have a negative impact on quality of life and the ability to work.
One-third of patients were non-adherent to medical therapy