P646 The Loss of Productivity in Employment and Education Associated to Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Pilot Study of the Patient’s Perception

Abstract

Abstract Background Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) impact vocational, educational, and psychosocial aspects of a patient’s life and may cause patients to miss work or school or underperform. This study describes loss of productivity in Hispanics with IBD in the workplace and educational settings, along with the patient’s perception. Methods Patients with IBD attending a tertiary care clinic were given a self-administered survey related to loss of productivity in employment and education. The questionnaire acquired qualitative and quantitative data about the patients’ past and present work and educational settings. Productivity was determined by the number of absences or early leaves from school or work due to disease manifestations. The patient’s perception regarding psychological aspects of their condition was assessed. Descriptive statistics were used for sociodemographic data, perceptions regarding their condition, and clinical history as captured by the questionnaire. This study is approved by the MSC IRB. Results 100 patients (M/F: 50/50, CD/UC: 72/28, age range: 18–61, mean age: 29.78 ± 9.81) participated. 45 participants were working, 16 were studying, and 25 were working and studying. 89% of those working had to leave early or miss work due to disease manifestations and, among those, 51% had more than two absences in a given month. During their school years, 100% had absences or had to leave class early because of the disease. 61% said that their condition has a negative effect in their daily lives. Furthermore, 61% perceived their disease affects moderately to severely their daily life. However, 61% expressed that their disease has minimal or no effect on their self-esteem, 75% denoted that their disease does not impact their familial relationships and 74% indicated that they manage their disease with a positive mindset. There was no significant association between sex (p=0.71) or diagnosis (p=0.31) and perception of disease severity. Conclusion Work and study absences due to IBD manifestations were frequently reported in the study, translating into decreased productivity. Perception of disease severity was independent of diagnosis and sex. A majority perceived that IBD affected daily life moderately to severely. Strategies to improve work and study conditions may result in improved productivity.