Concerns of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Results from a clinical population

OBJECTIVE: The impact of chronic illness is influenced not just by physical symptoms but also by psychosocial factors. The aim of this study was to de termine the concerns of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in a clin ical sample, if concerns differ between patients from varied clinical and d emographic variables, and if concerns influence well-being beyond the influ ence of physical symptoms. METHODS: Subjects (n = 259) completed a validated measure of concerns speci fic to IBD and provided demographic and disease-related information. RESULTS: The most intense concerns involved both physical (e.g., energy lev el) and psychosocial issues (e.g., achieving full potential). There were nu merous differences in disease concerns based on ability to work but none ba sed on disease duration. Factor analysis yielded three indices: body image and interpersonal concerns, general physical impact, and disease stigma. Ag e and education only affected certain concern indices in subgroups of patie nts. Greater concerns negatively influenced well-being beyond the influence of physical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial factors, in addition to physical symptoms, play an important role on the impact of illness in patients with IBD. (C) 2001 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterology.