Understanding of chemoprophylaxis and concordance in inflammatory bowel disease

To assess patients' understanding for the reasons for taking 5-aminosalicylic acid or ursodeoxycholic acid as chemoprophylaxis against colorectal carcinoma associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

A questionnaire-based study using a 5-point opinion scale was performed. One hundred and ninety-two patients with colitis only and 74 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and IBD were invited to take part.

Overall response rate was 58%. Sixty-four percent of patients claimed full concordance with chemoprophylaxis for maintenance of remission. Eighty-four percent of patients considered daily concordance during remission to be very important. Seventy-five percent stated they understood the reasons for taking the drugs. However, only 50% of the patients were aware of any link of their condition to bowel cancer. Seventy-nine percent of patients felt their concordance and understanding would be improved if they were informed of the chemoprophylactic potential of the medication.

Despite good self-reported concordance, half of the patients were unaware of an association between colitis and bowel cancer. Explaining the potential chemoprophylactic benefits may enhance patients' overall concordance to 5-aminosalicylic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid and help maintain remission.