Comprehensive Lifestyle-Modification in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis-A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Quality of Life Research
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients often experience diminished health-related quality of life (HrQoL).
• Lifestyle modifications are explored for their potential to enhance HrQoL and manage UC disease activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a 10-week comprehensive lifestyle modification (LSM) program versus a brief naturopathic workshop on HrQoL in UC patients in remission.
• To assess secondary outcomes including disease activity and microbiome changes.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-seven UC patients in remission with impaired HrQoL were randomized into LSM (n=47) or control (n=50) groups.
• The primary outcome was HrQoL measured by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) at 12 weeks.
• Secondary outcomes included IBDQ subscales, generic HrQoL (SF-36), disease activity, and microbiome analysis.

Main Results:

• Both groups demonstrated improved HrQoL from baseline to week 12.
• No significant difference in the overall IBDQ score was observed between the LSM and control groups (p=0.251).
• Patients attending over 50% of LSM sessions showed significant improvements in IBDQ scores (p=0.034) and SF-36 mental component summary (p=0.002) compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Both lifestyle modification programs improved HrQoL in UC patients without affecting clinical disease activity.
• Higher adherence to the LSM program correlated with significant improvements in mental health and overall quality of life.
• Comprehensive lifestyle modification, particularly with high patient engagement, offers a promising approach to enhance well-being in UC patients during remission.