A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

The impact of IBD on ability to work and study: a patient perspective




AuthorsMustonen, Anssi; Rankala, Rasmus; Voutilainen, Markku; Mattila, Kalle

PublisherInforma UK Limited

Publishing placeABINGDON

Publication year2025

JournalScandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology

Journal name in sourceScandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology

Journal acronymSCAND J GASTROENTERO

Volume60

Issue1

First page 37

Last page41

Number of pages5

ISSN0036-5521

eISSN1502-7708

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/00365521.2024.2440794(external)

Web address https://doi.org/10.1080/00365521.2024.2440794(external)


Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the multifaceted ways in which inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) negatively affects working life and studies.

Material and methods

IBD patients were identified by diagnosis codes from the hospital records of a Finnish University Hospital. Patients were sent questionnaires via mail and text messages. Respondents, being 561 patients, formed the sample. Hospital records and data of medications were combined to questionnaire data.

Results

Over a fifth of the patients reported having to change their job due to IBD, whereas a third of the sample had to modify their work due to IBD. On average, they had changed jobs once. Most common modifications were to do fewer hours or work during different hours, decreasing the physical burden of their work and moving their workplace closer to a toilet. Around a fifth of the sample' studies were negatively influenced by IBD. Interestingly, clinical parameters or sex did not affect the probability of job modifications, changes or negative effects on studies.

Conclusions

IBD has a considerable negative impact on many patients' studies and working life that extends beyond commonly studied absenteeism and presenteeism.


Funding information in the publication
This study was supported by grants from the Hospital District of Southwest Finland.


Last updated on 2025-31-01 at 15:39