title: Health-related quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis after a 10-year disease course: results from the IBSEN study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ulcerative colitis (UC) negatively affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but population-based and long-term data on this topic are scarce. Our aim was to determine the HRQoL in UC patients after a 10-year disease duration.
  
  
  METHODS
  UC patients from a population-based inception cohort met at a prescheduled 10-year follow-up visit. In addition to a clinical examination, interview, and blood samples, the patients completed the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Norwegian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (N-IBDQ). The SF-36 scores were compared to scores from a general population sample using one-sample t-tests. Standardized scores were calculated and interpreted according to Cohen's effect size index. The associations between relevant clinical and demographic factors and HRQoL were examined through linear regression analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 196 patients completed the HRQoL questionnaires (response rate: 80%), of whom 54% were women; the mean age of all patients was 48 years (range: 22-86). The SF-36 scores were comparable to those of the general population except for lower scores in the General Health dimension. The SF-36 scores were significantly lower in the presence of current symptoms, in patients who had used corticosteroids, and in patients who reported not working. Overall N-IBDQ scores were equivalent to scores of patients in remission. Female gender, work status (not working), current symptoms, and smoking were associated with significantly lower N-IBDQ scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SF-36 scores were not reduced compared to the general population sample. The presence of current symptoms, the use of corticosteroids, work status (not working), female gender, and smoking had a negative impact on HRQoL.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway. marte.hoivik@medisin.uio.no
authors.forename: Marte L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Hoivik
authors.forename: Bjorn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Moum
authors.forename: Inger C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Solberg
authors.forename: Milada
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cvancarova
authors.forename: Ole
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Hoie
authors.forename: Morten H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Vatn
authors.forename: Tomm
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bernklev
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires