Understanding symptom burden and attitudes to irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea: Results from patient and healthcare professional surveys

Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D) comprises multiple troublesome symptoms and negatively impacts patients' quality of life.

Objective: The objective of this article is to assess IBS-D patient burden and patient and healthcare professional (HCP) attitudes towards IBS.

Methods: Patients and HCPs from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom completed internet-based surveys via market research panels. Attitudes to IBS-D-related statements were scored using seven-point Likert scales.

Results: The patient survey included 513 patients (70% female, mean age 40.9 years). Faecal urgency was reported as the most troublesome symptom (27%) and fatigue occurred on the most days per month (mean: 18); 61% of patients used ≥3 types of treatment daily or intermittently; 19% used antidepressants daily. Thirty-three per cent thought HCPs should listen and provide more support and 46% reported willingness to 'try anything' to help manage their IBS-D. The HCP survey included 366 primary care physicians and 313 gastroenterologists: A total of 70% and 65%, respectively, agreed it was important that IBS-D patients feel listened to and supported; 73% agreed their main aim was to improve quality of life; ∼30% expressed frustration at managing IBS-D.

Conclusion: IBS-D imposes a substantial burden on patients and HCPs. These findings point towards a need for improved patient-HCP communication.

Keywords: Irritable bowel syndrome; diarrhoea; faecal urgency; psychosocial morbidity; survey.

Figure 1.

Most troublesome symptoms currently experienced.^{a,b a}Based on the first selected response to the question: ‘Which of the symptoms you currently experience trouble you the most?’ (bloating was not included as a potential response); ^bReported in ≥5% of patients.

Figure 2.

Number of days experiencing symptoms per month.^{a a}Based on responses to the question: ‘In the past three months, how many days per month, on average, have you experienced each of your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms?’

Figure 3.

Current patterns of medication use.^{a a}Based on responses to the question: ‘Which best describes your use of each of the following treatments in the management of your irritable bowel syndrome?’ Percentages may not always total 100% due to rounding.

Figure 4.

Patient dissatisfaction with current treatments.^{a a}Results included the proportion of patients answering 1 to 5 (completely disagree, slightly agree) in response to the question: ‘How satisfied are you overall with each of the treatments you are currently taking for your irritable bowel syndrome?’ (seven-point scale where 1=completely disagree and 7=completely agree).

Figure 5.

Patient attitudes towards: (a) IBS; (b) healthcare professionals and services; (c) current therapies; (d) treatment goals. Percentages may not always total 100% due to rounding. IBS: irritable bowel syndrome.

Figure 6.

HCP attitudes towards: (a) IBS patients; (b) management of IBS; (c) current therapies; (d) treatment guidelines; (e) treatment goals. Percentages may not always total 100% due to rounding. HCP: healthcare professional; IBS: irritable bowel syndrome; IBS-D: irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea; PCP: primary care physician.