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Partner burden in irritable bowel syndrome.
Reuben K Wong1, Douglas A Drossman, Stephan R Weinland
1Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. reuben_wong@nuhs.edu.sg
Summary
Partners of individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience significant burden, which increases with disease severity and negatively impacts relationship and sexual satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), significantly impact patients' lives.
- While caregiver burden is studied in diseases like cancer, the impact on partners of IBS patients remains under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the burden experienced by partners of IBS patients.
- To identify factors influencing this perceived burden.
- To determine the effects of IBS on relationship dynamics and sexual satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with 152 IBS patients and their partners, alongside 39 partners of healthy controls.
- Validated questionnaires assessed partner burden (Zarit Burden Interview - ZBI), relationship satisfaction, and sexual relationships.
- IBS disease severity was measured using the Functional Bowel Disease Severity Index.
Main Results:
- Partners of IBS patients reported significantly higher burden (mean ZBI 22.1) compared to controls (mean ZBI 11.5).
- Burden levels correlated directly with IBS severity (P < .0001).
- Higher partner burden was associated with lower relationship quality (R = -0.60) and sexual satisfaction (R = -0.56).
Conclusions:
- Partners of IBS patients face a substantial burden, as indicated by ZBI scores.
- This burden is exacerbated by increased IBS severity.
- Perceived burden is linked to diminished relationship quality and sexual satisfaction in partners of IBS patients.
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