Inflammatory Bowel Diseases-related Disability: Risk Factors, Outcomes, and Interventions

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Immunology
• Public Health and Epidemiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis significantly alters adult life, despite advances in therapeutic options.
• The incurable nature of IBD necessitates a broader approach beyond medical and surgical interventions to address long-term disability.
• The biopsychosocial model highlights the interplay of physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors in health and disease.

Approach:

• This review explores the etiological framework of physical and psychosocial aspects contributing to IBD-related disability.
• It examines the impact of IBD-related disability on the direct and indirect economic costs associated with the condition.
• The review synthesizes available evidence for interventions aimed at enhancing function and mitigating IBD-related disability.

Key Points:

• IBD-related disability extends beyond physical limitations to include educational, employment, economic, and social activity restrictions.
• The Selecting Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (STRIDE-II) guideline recognizes IBD-related disability as a crucial treatment endpoint.
• Understanding the multifaceted nature of IBD disability is essential for comprehensive patient care and management.

Conclusions:

• Interventions targeting both physical and psychosocial domains are vital for improving functional outcomes in IBD patients.
• Addressing IBD-related disability can potentially reduce the significant economic burden associated with the disease.
• Further research and clinical focus on managing IBD-related disability are warranted to enhance patient quality of life.