Investigation of the Problems of Patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease - A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are referred to in common as idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both are chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract causing a wide range of clinical problems. Aim: (a) To evaluate the severity of IBD, (b) to examine the correlation between the symptoms of patients with disease type CD or UC and their socio-demographic characteristics, and (c) to explore the patients’ needs according to their age and sex. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months with a sample of 70 patients attending a specialized public hospital clinic for follow-up. The patients completed the Greek version of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire. For statistical analysis, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), v. 17.0 was used and statistical significance was set at 0.05. Comparisons of categorical variables between groups were performed with the x2 test and where assumptions were not met Fisher’s exact test was used to ensure the accuracy. Results: Patients with IBD have a variety non-intestinal manifestations or comorbidities, including osteoporosis (74%) and spondyloarthritis (58%), and symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, tenesmus, anger (67.14%), fatigue, difficulty maintaining body weight (54.29%), sadness and inability to participate in activities (44.29%) and tension (24.29%). Patients with CD experienced a higher rate of problems than those with UC, women reported more problems than men, younger more than older patients and those with lower more than those with higher education (all p≤0.05). Greater sensitivity and introversion were displayed by men than women and by younger than older patients (p≤0.05). Conclusions: Among patients with IBD, those with CD, women, younger patients and those with a lower educational level more frequently reported clinical and psychosocial problems. Greater sensitivity and introversion were displayed by men and younger patients. These findings are valuable for healthcare professionals in planning individualized care for patients with IBD.