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 determine the concerns of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in a clinical sample, if concerns differ between patients from varied clinical and demographic variables, and if concerns influence well-being beyond the influence of physical symptoms.
Methods: Subjects (n = 259) completed a validated measure of concerns specific to IBD and provided demographic and disease-related information.
Results: The most intense concerns involved both physical (e.g., energy level) and psychosocial issues (e.g., achieving full potential). There were numerous differences in disease concerns based on ability to work but none based on disease duration. Factor analysis yielded three indices: body image and interpersonal concerns, general physical impact, and disease stigma. Age and education only affected certain concern indices in subgroups of patients. 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.