Newly Diagnosed Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Relationship Between Perceived Psychological Support, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Disease Activity

Abstract

Background: Newly diagnosed patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encounter many physical, mental, and social uncertainties. In other chronic diseases, patients having access to disease-specific information and psychological support adhere better to medical regimens. Currently, there is a paucity of data on how newly diagnosed patients with IBD interact with their medical providers. Methods: Patients diagnosed with IBD within 5 years completed a series of questionnaires related to heath-related quality of life (HRQoL), disease activity, health education resources, medical provider relationship, and psychological support. Results: A total of 89 patients were included in the study. IBD activity correlated with disease-specific quality of life (r=-0.69, p<0.0001). Patient satisfaction with gastroenterologist interaction correlated with HRQoL (r=0.33, p=0.04) and disease activity for Crohn's disease (CD) patients (Harvey Bradshaw Index, r=-0.52, p<0.001). Eleven percent of recently diagnosed patients reported receiving educational or psychological support as part of their treatment program, whereas 42% of patients believed that they would benefit from having these types of support incorporated in their treatment protocol. Discussion: In patients with newly diagnosed CD, the patients' perceived relationship with their medical provider was closely related to both HRQoL and disease activity. More attention to education, support, and the doctor-patient relationship at diagnosis could result in better patient outcomes.

Keywords: educational support; health-related quality of life; inflammatory bowel disease; psychological support.

FIG. 1.

The relationship between and the SIBDQ and combined disease activity of UC and CD. CD, Crohn's disease; SIBDQ, short-form inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire; UC, ulcerative colitis.

FIG. 2.

The relationship between patient's satisfaction with gastroenterologist and the SIBDQ in patients with CD. GI-MOS, The Modified Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey; QOL, quality of life.

FIG. 3.

The relationship between patient's satisfaction with gastroenterologist and disease activity in patients with CD. HBI, Harvey Bradshaw Index.

FIG. 4.

(A) How often do you get the social and emotional support you need? (B) Does your current IBD treatment plan include any form of educational or psychological counseling with a medical or mental health professional? (C) If you currently participate in or have been provided with educational or psychological counseling, do you find the time and information presented beneficial to you in dealing with your IBD diagnosis? (D) If you have not received any educational or psychological counseling with regard to your IBD diagnosis, do you feel that you could have benefited from educational or psychological counseling? IBD, inflammatory bowel disease.