The impact of functional gastrointestinal disorders on quality of life

OBJECTIVE: The impact of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) on q uality of life is unknown. We aimed to evaluate whether FGIDs impair qualit y of life in terms of mental and physical functioning in patients and nonpa tients. METHODS: A random sample of 4500 subjects, representative of the Australian population, were mailed a questionnaire on gastrointestinal symptoms in th e past 12 months. Quality of life was assessed using the valid SF-12, in wh ich the lower the scores, the greater the impairment of quality of life. Th e response rate was 72%. RESULTS: Among these fulfilling Rome I criteria for a diagnosis of a FGID ( n = 1006) versus those not having a FGID (n = 1904) (healthy controls), the re was a significant association with impaired mental (43.9 v's 48.1) and p hysical (47.7 vs 51.6) functioning. Mental functioning (43.3 vs 44.9) and p hysical functioning (46.0 vs 50.5) was significantly more impaired in patie nts versus nonpatients with a FGID. Furthermore, nonpatients with a FGID ha d more impaired mental and physical functioning than healthy controls. CONCLUSION: FGIDs impair quality of life, particularly in those that consul t for health care.