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Quality of Life Among Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abdulaziz A Alahmari1, Sarah H AlShawaf2, Huda A Meshikhes2
1Department of Pediatrics, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
This study explored quality of life in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Older children and those in remission reported better well-being, while corticosteroid use negatively impacted quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Quality of Life Research
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) significantly impacts children and adolescents.
- Understanding quality of life (QoL) is crucial for effective management of pediatric IBD.
- Factors influencing QoL in this population require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- To identify specific factors that influence the QoL of pediatric IBD patients.
Main Methods:
- A multi-center, cross-sectional study involving 44 children and adolescents with IBD in Saudi Arabia.
- Utilized the Arabic version of the IMPACT-III questionnaire to assess QoL.
- Disease activity measured using Harvey Bradshaw Index (Crohn's disease) and Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (ulcerative colitis).
Main Results:
- The mean age was 13.36 years; Crohn's disease was most prevalent (56.8%).
- Social functioning scored highest, while emotional functioning scored lowest.
- Older age (≥11 years), disease remission, and fewer flare-ups correlated with better QoL.
- Corticosteroid use was associated with poorer QoL, particularly affecting body image.
Conclusions:
- Quality of life assessment in pediatric IBD is essential for identifying and mitigating disease burden.
- Age, disease activity, and treatment (corticosteroids) are key factors influencing QoL in pediatric IBD.
- Targeting these factors can improve the overall well-being of children and adolescents with IBD.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years with inflammatory bowel disease and identify the factors that influence it.
Patients And Methods:
A multi-center cross-sectional study in which participants were recruited from 3 governmental hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A total of 61 children with inflammatory bowel disease were approached, 44 participants were included according to their age (7-18 years), disease duration of at least 6 months, and without any other co-morbidities. A translated Arabic version of the IMPACT-III questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of the participants with inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, disease-specific indices were used to measure their disease activity; Harvey Bradshaw for patients with Crohn's disease and Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index for ulcerative colitis patients.
Results:
The mean age of the 44 participants was 13.36 ± 2.85. Crohn's disease accounted for 56.8% of the sample, while 36.4% had ulcerative colitis and 6.8% had unclassified type. The majority were males and in disease remission. The mean total score of the questionnaire was 74.10 ± 12.21, where the domain of social functioning scored the highest and the domain of emotional functioning scored the lowest. Children who are 11 years or older scored significantly higher in emotional functioning and total mean scores. Statistical significance was also observed between the well-being domain and not having flare-ups in the past year, as well as disease severity with emotional functioning, body image, and total mean scores. It was found that corticosteroid utilization is a predictor of poorer quality of life and was statistically significant with the body image domain.
Conclusion:
Measuring the quality of life in children with inflammatory bowel disease can aid in reducing its burden and help address its factors.
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