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Mental Health and quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel disease: Cross-sectional Study on its Impact
Vanesa Gallardo Arriero1, Marta Calvo Moya1, Rocío de Lucas Téllez de Meneses1
1Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majalahonda, España.
Objective:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) negatively impacts patients' quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the psychological impact and quality of life in patients with IBD.
Patients And Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving IBD patients treated at HUPHM. Validated questionnaires were used to assess patients' mental health. Clinical activity was evaluated using the Harvey-Bradshaw Index and the Partial Mayo Score. Clinical data were also collected.
Results:
A total of 272 patients were included. Seventy-eight percent experienced some degree of psychological impairment, and 68% reported a negative impact on their quality of life. Anxiety showed a median score of 11 (IQR: 10-13) and stress a median of 24 (IQR: 16-31), representing the most frequent psychological disturbances. Quality of life and fatigue results reflected significant impairment, with fatigue being more prevalent in women (52%, p=0.027) and associated with higher stress levels (p=0.0013) and poorer quality of life (p=0.014). Patients with Crohn's disease exhibited worse quality of life compared to those with ulcerative colitis (median score: 46 [IQR: 34-55] vs. 49 [IQR: 41-55], p=0.04). In the occupational domain, patients with work disability showed greater psychological impairment and poorer quality of life (p=0.001). Finally, patients without prior surgery demonstrated better quality of life (p=0.032).
Conclusions:
The high prevalence of psychological comorbidities in IBD highlights the need for approaches that incorporate psychological assessment and intervention.
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