Background: Few studies have demonstrated the impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on work and activities of daily living. Methods:We collected demographic, gastrointestinal symptom, psychological health and quality of life data from 752 adults with Rome IV-defined IBS. We used the work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire for irritable bowel syndrome and the work and social adjustment scale to examine the degree of both impairment at work and in activities of daily living, as well as factors associated with these.Results: Of 467 individuals who were employed, 133 (28.5%) reported absenteeism, 373 (85.6%) presenteeism and 382 (81.8%) overall work impairment. A mean of 1.97 hours of work per week was lost due to IBS. Extrapolating this across the entire UK, we estimate that between 72 and 188 million hours of work are lost per year due to IBS in individuals of working age. Among all 752 participants, 684 (91.0%) reported any activity impairment with 220 (29.3%) reporting impairment in home management, 423 (56.3%) in social leisure activities, 207 (27.5%) in private leisure activities, and 203 (27.0%) in maintaining close relationships. Severe IBS, higher levels of anxiety, depression, somatization and gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, and lower levels of IBS-related quality of life were associated with impairment in both work and activities of daily living. Conclusion:Patients with IBS experience a substantial impact on their work and activities of daily living because of their IBS. Future studies should assess the impact of medical interventions on the ability to work and participate in social activities.

Summary Background Previous studies have demonstrated a substantial economic impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Aims To provide contemporaneous estimates of direct healthcare costs of IBS in the United Kingdom. Methods We collected demographic, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, quality of life and healthcare usage data from adults with Rome IV or Rome III IBS in the United Kingdom. We calculated the mean annual direct healthcare costs of IBS per person and used contemporaneous IBS prevalence data, together with census data, to estimate annual direct costs of IBS. We also examined predictors of higher costs. Results The mean annual direct cost of IBS per person among 752 individuals with Rome IV IBS was £556.65 (SD £1023.92) and £474.16 (SD £897.86) for 995 individuals with Rome III IBS. We estimate the annual direct healthcare cost of IBS in the United Kingdom is £1.27 billion if the Rome IV criteria are used to define IBS, and £2.07 billion using Rome III. Among individuals with Rome IV IBS, mean annual costs were higher in those with opiate use (£907.90 vs £470.58, p < 0.001), more severe symptoms (p < 0.001 for trend), a shorter duration of IBS (1 year, £1227.14 vs >5 years £501.60, p = 0.002), lower quality of life (p < 0.001 for trend), and higher depression, somatisation and gastrointestinal symptom‐specific anxiety scores (P < 0.001 for trend for all). Conclusion We estimate annual direct healthcare costs of IBS of between £1.3 and £2 billion in the United Kingdom.

Background: Some drugs for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have serious side effects. Aims:To examine the willingness of individuals with IBS to accept risks with medication in return for symptom cure. Methods:We collected demographic, gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological health, quality of life and impact on work and daily activities data from 752 adults with Rome IV-defined IBS. We examined median willingness to accept death in return for cure with a hypothetical medication using a standard gamble, according to these variables.Results: Participants would accept a median 2.0% (IQR 0.0%-9.0%) risk of death in return for a 98.0% (IQR 91.0%-100.0%) chance of permanent symptom cure. The median accepted risk of death was higher in men (5.0% vs 2.0%, P < 0.001), those with continuous abdominal pain (4.0% vs 1.0%, P < 0.001), more severe symptoms (P = 0.005 for trend), abnormal depression scores (P < 0.001 for trend), higher gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety (P < 0.001 for trend), and lower IBS-related quality of life (P < 0.001 for trend). Those willing to accept above median risk of death were more likely to be male (17.1% vs 9.1%, P < 0.001), take higher levels of risks in their daily life (P = 0.008 for trend), and report continuous abdominal pain (53.1% vs 39.4%, P < 0.001), and had higher depression (P = 0.004 for trend) and lower quality of life (P < 0.001 for trend) scores. Conclusion:Patients are willing to accept significant risks in return for cure of their IBS symptoms.