Investigation of the Quality of Life of Patients with Gastrointestinal Issues Treated in the Surgical Clinic of a Regional General Hospital in Greece

Abstract

As disorders of the gastrointestinal system are among the most prevalent, had a significant impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to investigate the QoL of 83 patients treated in the surgical clinic of a regional general hospital in Crete-Greece. They recruited from April-to-June 2021 using the 36-Item Short Form Survey scale (SF-36) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the QoL in relation to patients’ characteristics. The 50.6% were men with mean age of all the 55.0 years. Mental Health was found with highest mean score in relation to Role Physical (p < 0.001) and the Mental Component higher than the Physical (p = 0.029) while 68.7% of patients had high State Anxiety score. For each added year of age, the odds ratio of a moderate-to-high Physical Component was significantly decreased (OR = 0.95, p = 0.012) as married/partnered patients had higher odds of a moderate-to-high Mental Component (OR = 6.59, p = 0.006). Those with high state anxiety had lower odds of a moderate-to-high Mental Component (OR = 0.16, p = 0.005). Action is necessary on a clinical or individual level, guided by health professionals, to promote appropriate dietary choices and interventions for the avoidance of behaviors that could harm or endanger patients’ health.