Assessing of health-related quality of life and stress levels in patients with ulcerative colitis, and its relation with clinical and demographic factors

Abstract

Background: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammation of the colon. Patients with UC face numerous physical, psychological, and social problems that are associated with health related quality of life. The aim of this study is to determine the mental stress level and quality of life among UC patients in comparison with a healthy control group, and their relation with clinical and demographic factors. Materials and Methods: This study was a case control, cross-sectional study of 106 patients (53 with UC and 53 healthy people as controls). Patients were selected from the Tabriz Medical Science University Clinic in 2010. Clinical and demographic features data were collected. The general health questionnaire (SF36) was used for the assessment of health related quality of life (HRQOL) and mental stress was measured by the Cohen stress scale. Results: Statistical analyses showed that the quality of life in UC patients was lower than healthy individuals (p=0.006). There was a direct positive relationship between quality of life and stress levels. Stress levels among women were higher than men in the case group. Disease severity, period of disease, and level of stress were the most important factors that determined the quality of life among patients with UC (p <0.05). Conclusion: Perceived HRQOL is impaired in UC patients compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Psychological distress and disease severity are powerful predictors of HRQOL in UC patients.