The impact of ulcerative colitis on patients' lives compared to other chronic diseases: a patient survey

Dig Dis Sci. 2010 Apr;55(4):1044-52. doi: 10.1007/s10620-009-0953-7. Epub 2009 Sep 4.

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to identify the impact chronic ulcerative colitis (UC) has on the lives of patients compared to other chronic conditions. Overall, 451 patients with UC, 309 with rheumatoid arthritis, 305 with asthma, and 305 with migraine headaches were recruited in an Internet survey designed to assess a variety of disease-impact indices.

Results: Patients with UC reported a mean of eight (self-defined) flare-ups in the previous 12 months. Significantly more patients with UC (81%) believed that the quantity of flare-ups they experienced was 'normal', compared to patients with migraine headaches (64%) or asthma (75%). Patients with UC also reported significantly more worry about disease complications (84%), depression (62%), and embarrassment (70%) than patients with the other chronic conditions.

Conclusions: Compared to patients with other chronic conditions, patients with UC perceive substantially more negative impact upon their lives, especially with regard to the psychological burden.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absenteeism
  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / psychology
  • Asthma / psychology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / psychology*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / psychology
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Sick Role*
  • United States
  • Young Adult