HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN SWEDISH PATIENTS WITH ULCERATIVE-COLITIS

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the health-relate d quality of life (HRQOL) in a Swedish population of patients with ulc erative colitis. Methods: A total of 211 patients with ulcerative coli tis were studied. Demographic and disease-related factors were noted. HRQOL was measured by one disease specific questionnaire, the Rating F orm of IBD Patient Concerns (RFIPC) and one generic, The Sickness Impa ct Profile (SLP). Additional questions regarding information needs, me dication, and well-being were asked. Disease activity was measured by symptom cards, laboratory samples, endoscopy, and two indices of disea se activity. The influence of additional concomitant disease was also evaluated. Results: Functional impairment as measured by the SIP was p rimarily in psychological and social areas and to a lesser extent in t he physical areas. The highest scores for individual items of the RFIP C were those related to potential complications, e.g., needing an osto my appliance, needing surgery, developing cancer, losing bowel control , and uncertainty about the disease and effects of medication. Patient s with active disease scored higher on both SIP and RFIPC when compare d to patients in remission. Presence of coexisting disease weighted he avily on HRQOL. Conclusion: Ulcerative colitis has a negative influenc e on the subjective functional status and seems to cause many worries and concerns. Patients in relapse had greater concerns, more impairmen t of functional status, and a reduced subjective sense of well-being t han patients in clinical remission. Nevertheless, the patients in this Swedish study scored a much better HRQOL than has previously been res orted using these questionnaires in patients with ulcerative colitis f rom the US, France, and Austria. (C) 1998 by Am. Coll. of Gastroentero logy.