Quality of life of patients with functional bowel disorders

Abstract

Abstract Background and objectives : Functional bowel disorders are the most common digestive disorders. Although not life-threatening, they have a repercussion on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. The objective of our study was to measure the QOL of patients followed for IBS and to determine the factors associated with its alteration. Methods : Our cross-sectional, monocentric and prospective study was carried out in the outpatient department between February 2019 and January 2020. QOL was measured via MOS SF-36 questionnaire translated to Tunisian dialect. An association between epidemiological and clinical factors and impaired QOL was sought by univariate statistical study. Results: One hundred patients were included (mean age 50,53 years-old and sex-ratio 0,53). The average values of physical (PCS) mental (MCS) and global (SF36) QOL scores were 42,5%, 39,9% and 41,2% respectively. They were all below the general populations average values. The factors associated with an alteration in both the physical and psychological QOL were female sex, low level of education, unemployment or work in the private sector, low socioeconomic level, hypertension, hypothyroidism and overweight and obesity. Conclusion : Functional bowel disorders affect the QOL of patients. The modifiable associated factor scan be the subject of preventive actions to optimize the management of this pathology.