Reproductive Health and Medication Concerns for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Thematic and Quantitative Analysis Using Social Listening (Preprint)

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects many patients of reproductive age. Most IBD medications are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but despite this, observational studies note that women, particularly those with Crohn's Disease, have higher rates of voluntary childlessness due to concerns surrounding medication side effects, passing the disease to their offspring, fear of infertility and advice given by treating physician. Moreover, many women perceive medications to be unsafe during pregnancy. We employ social listening of online forums and social media to explore how patients with IBD understand, discuss, and act on the perceived risks and benefits associated with taking IBD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Objective: The objective of this study was to gain a more thorough understanding of how individuals taking IBD medications during key reproductive periods make decisions about their medications to inform clinical practice. Having a better understanding about why patients stop or refuse to take certain medications during key reproductive periods may allow clinicians to address specific beliefs and attitudes during office visits.