Health-Related Quality of Life Among Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Ireland: A Cross-Sectional Study Using...

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing-remitting condition that impacts both physical and mental health. The unpredictable nature of relapse and associated symptoms adds to the burden of living with IBD. This analysis seeks to understand the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of a sample of Irish individuals living with IBD.

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to individuals living with IBD in Ireland through online study invites. Information on HRQoL was collected using the international EuroQol EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Regression models examined associations between HRQoL and sociodemographic and clinical factors.

A total of 142 individuals living with IBD in Ireland were recruited. The mean EQ-5D-5L utility score was 0.73 (SD 0.25), ranging from -0.174 to 1. Compared with individuals aged younger than 30 years, those aged 50 years and older had significantly higher utility scores (β= 0.16; P<.001). Compared with those in remission, individuals reporting severe disease had significantly lower utility scores (β= -0.28; P<.001). An inverse association between the number of comorbidities and utility score was observed, with those reporting 2 (β = -0.14; P=.001), 3 (β = -0.17; P<.001), and 4 or more (β= -0.23; P<.001) comorbidities exhibiting significantly lower utility scores than individuals reporting no comorbidities. Individuals who felt their IBD was not well controlled had significantly lower utility scores (β= -0.16; P=.001).

HRQoL varies with the severity of IBD, with individuals experiencing more severe symptoms reporting lower quality of life. These findings highlight the need for holistic, person-centered approaches to support those with IBD and improve quality of life.