Abstract
Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that significantly impacts patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and alexithymia may exacerbate these effects. This study aims to evaluate: HRQOL and possible factors affecting it, prevalence of anxiety, depression and alexytimia in patients with UC. Methods A cross-sectional study included 248 UC patients (117 males, mean age 44,7±14,6, 21 with proctitis, 63 with left sided and 164 with extensive colitis) Data were collected using standardized self-administered questionnaires (socio-demographic, GAD-7, PHQ-9, TAS-20 and SIBDQ-10). Clinical data on remission status, extraintestinal manifestations (EIM), comorbidities and use of advanced therapies were also collected. Hierarchical regression analysis of variables predicting SIBDQ-10 score in UC was done. Results In our patients average disease duration was 9.3 ± 7.4 years (range 0-49). 198 patients (79.8%) were treated with advanced therapies. Clinical and laboratory remission was present in 237 (95.6%) patients. Prevalence of depression, anxiety and alexithymia were 44.7%, 34.3% and 30.2% respectively. There were no differences in PHQ-9, GAD-7 and TAS-20 scores in relation to remission status (p>0.05). Average SIBDQ score was 56.5 ± 10.9. Patients in remission reported better SIBDQ-10 compared to those experiencing active symptoms (p=0.002). Results of hierarchical regresion analysis showed that remission of disease and higher depression score are the main factors influencing HRQOL in UC patients. Conclusion Prevalence of depression, anxiety and alexithymia in UC patients is high, even if disease is in remission. Remission of disease and high depression score are the main factors related to HRQOL. Depression adversely affects HRQOL in UC patients, highlighting the need for psychological screening and integrated mental health support in all UC patients. Strategies aimed at enhancing emotional well-being may improve overall quality of life and disease management in UC.
Published Version
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