Assessment of illness acceptance and satisfaction with life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, taking into account sociodemographic and clinical factors

Abstract

Introduction and objective Non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic, lifelong conditions which require medical attention. This health problem often concerns young people. The aim of the study was to assess the level of illness acceptance and satisfaction with life in patients with non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases, including Leśniowski-Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), and indication of relationships with sociodemographic and clinical factors. Material and methods The study included 90 patients of Clinical Gastroenterology Ward and Bowel Disease Clinic located in two hospitals in Bydgoszcz. All patients were over the age of 18 years. A diagnostic survey was used along with the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and an author constructed questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical data. Results Mean score was 26.62±6.83 for AIS and 20.10±5.57 for SWLS. A correlation was observed between the level of illness acceptance and satisfaction with life (r = 0.60; p < 0.001). Males showed a significantly higher level of illness acceptance than females (28.20±6.33 vs. 25.11±7.01; p = 0.031). The occurrence of the symptoms of disease and the phase of disease exacerbation decreased the level of illness acceptance and the sense of satisfaction with life. No significant differences between the AIS and SWLS scores were observed according to the type of disease. Conclusions The participants of the study showed an average level of illness acceptance and satisfaction with life. Patients who accepted their disease were more satisfied with life. Asymptomatic patients whose condition was in remission had higher scores on AIS and SWLS.

Keywords

• illness acceptance
• satisfaction with life
• leśniowski-crohn's disease
• ulcerative colitis