Patient Perceptions of the Impact of Ulcerative Colitis in Daily Life

Abstract

Purpose: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by recurrent episodes of increased stool frequency and rectal bleeding that can have a detrimental impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the symptoms UC patients report experiencing and the potential impact UC has on a series of QoL attributes. Methods: 722 UC patients ages 18+ who treat their condition with a prescription medication were interviewed online in August 2007 and August 2008. Patients rated the UC impact on a series of QoL attributes using a 5-point scale from a continuum of 1 (no impact) to 5 (severe impact). Results: The majority of surveyed patients in this study were female (65%). About half of the surveyed patient population (53%) were between the ages of 35-54, 69% were married and 87% of the respondents were Caucasian. The most commonly reported symptoms when experiencing a flare were: abdominal pain/cramping (72%), urgent need to go to the bathroom (66%), increased frequency of bowel movement (66%), diarrhea (65%), rectal bleeding (50%), change in bowel movement patterns (50%), bloody diarrhea (43%), nausea/dizziness (40%), loss of appetite (32%), weight loss (25%) and vomiting (24%). About half of these patients (51%) have experienced between 3-10 flares over the last 2 years. UC had the biggest QoL impact on the patients' personal life, work/ability to work, and in their interactions with friends and family members. Fifty five (55%) of patients reported a severe/moderate (scores of 5 and 4) detrimental impact of UC on their personal life. UC had a severe/moderate impact on work or the ability to work in 49% of patients in this survey. The disease has a severe/moderate impact on 39% of UC patients in this survey in their interactions with friends and extended family members. Conclusion: This study highlights that the UC patient's personal life and their ability to function at work and interact with friends and family members are dramatically affected by the disease. In addition to treating active disease and maintaining remission of symptoms, one of the goals of health care practitioners should be to help UC patients improve their quality of life, particularly the attributes related to social function. Disclosure: Seymour Katz - Consultant, Speaker, Research/Clinical Trial support from Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Marie Hershberger - Employee of Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc.