Disability and health care use in patients with Crohn's disease: a spouse control study

Studies reported from tertiary referral centers suggest that patients with Crohn's disease (CD) have a high rate of long-term disability. This study investigated whether this is true for less selected patient groups.

106 outpatients who were diagnosed to have had CD between 1974 and 1985 were invited with their partners (n = 83) for a structured interview that addressed issues of lifestyle and quality of life. In addition, patient and insurance records were reviewed to compare the use of health care services and work disability of patients with CD with those of their partners.

Twenty percent of patients and 8% of their partners believed that illness had affected their partnership, 17% versus 11% thought it had compromised their professional career, and 28% versus 10% believed it affected the overall quality of life. A significant impact of illness on these parameters (p < 0.001) occurred only if they were evaluated with the use of an analog scale. Differences between patients and their partners in the use of health care services and in work disability became insignificant after 6 yr of observation (p = 0.1415 and p = 0.4341).

Most patients with CD and their partners experience a similar satisfaction with life. As time progresses, a decline in disability often can be observed.