Work and school absenteeism in inflammatory bowel disease patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can have a considerable effect on quality of life, productivity and performance, is typically diagnosed during periods of life in which patients have academic and career-related responsibilities. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of IBD symptoms on work and school absenteeism in patients from Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional survey included patients diagnosed with IBD, aged >8–60 years, at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The validated 32-question IBD quality-of-life questionnaire was used to elicit information regarding quality of life and another 9-question validated questionnaire was used to assess work and school absenteeism. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify possible determinants of absenteeism. Results: A total of 123 IBD patients were included, with a 1:1 male-to-female ratio. The median age at presentation was 26 years (range: 8–59 years), 56.9% had Crohn's disease, and 43.1% had ulcerative colitis. Further, 58 (47.2%) were employed, 49 (39.8%) were students and 16 (13%) were unemployed. Forty-seven (43.9%) participants reported absenteeism: 26 were employees (55.3%) and 21 were students (44.7%). A binary logistic regression analysis identified IBD subtype ( P = 0.006) and the presence of perianal disease ( P = 0.028) as clinical predictors for absenteeism from school or work. A feeling of abdominal pain ( P = 0.015), fatigue ( P = 0.015) and difficulty taking part in social engagements ( P < 0.001) were also significantly associated with absenteeism. Conclusions: A sizeable proportion of the participants reported absenteeism owing to the effects of IBD. IBD subtype, perianal disease, presence of ongoing abdominal pain, fatigue and difficulty in social engagement were strongly associated with nonattendance.

The impact of gastrointestinal conditions on psychosocial factors associated with the biopsychosocial model of health: A scoping review

“…Some individuals with GI conditions may find their work enjoyable because it provides a focus other than their condition, or perhaps it is linked to opportunities for social support (Huppert & Whittington, 2003;Stansfeld et al, 2013). This is supported by research by Mosli et al (2021) that concluded that a lack of social engagement was predictive of work absence. As employment can still be fulfilling and enjoyable for some despite having a GI condition, further exploration of employment experiences could provide insight into how to better support and encourage employment among those with IBS or IBD.…”

“…'Daily life' was, however, was referred to in six (9%) of the studies included in the final analysis, all of which reported that daily life is affected for those with a GI condition (Buono et al, 2017;Faresjö et al, 2019;García-Sanju an et al, 2018;Kim et al, 2017;Singh et al, 2015;Ung et al, 2013). Employment difficulties were also reported in 25 per cent (N = 17) of the included studies, with absenteeism found to be common among those with IBS or IBD (Ballou et al, 2019;Bernklev et al, 2006;Mosli et al, 2021;Pare et al, 2006;Silk, 2001). To overcome absenteeism, individuals may work from home or reduce their hours and work part time, as was the case for 32 per cent of IBD patients sampled by Ueno et al (2017).…”

Delphi consensus survey: the opinions of patients living with refractory ulcerative proctitis and the health care professionals who care for them

“…It was felt that the associated poor quality of life, including lost days of work, social isolation and the mental health burden associated with this condition, is far more important than therapy costs, as they have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes. In one study, a significant number of participants (43.9%) reported absenteeism as a result of IBD, with persistent abdominal pain, fatigue and difficulty participating in social activities being strong precipitators 21. Additionally, therapies should be offered on an individualised patient basis with the age and comorbidities of patients taken into account.…”

“…In one study, a significant number of participants (43.9%) reported absenteeism as a result of IBD, with persistent abdominal pain, fatigue and difficulty participating in social activities being strong precipitators. 21 Additionally, therapies should be offered on an individualised patient basis with the age and comorbidities of patients taken into account.…”