Knowledge, Symptoms Severity and Quality of Life for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract, impacts patients' quality of life. Patient education plays a role in improved overall well-being. Aim: To assess patients' knowledge, symptom severity, and quality of life in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Subjects and setting: 33 patients with inflammatory bowel disease were recruited from Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology department at Aswan University Hospital within 6 months. Tools: (I): Patient's assessment Questionnaire; Demographic, Medical history and Knowledge Assessment sheet, (II): Symptom Severity Scale and (III): Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). Result: Most (63.6%) had undergone surgery for complications. Majority (87.9%) reported a family history of IBD. Knowledge levels about IBD were satisfactory, with more than two thirds (69.7%) in remission and 63.6% achieving enhanced well-being A positive correlation was found between quality of life and knowledge levels, while symptom severity inversely related to both quality of life and knowledge. Conclusion: Patients with greater knowledge of IBD generally have a better quality of life, whereas those with more severe symptoms tend to report lower quality of life and limited knowledge. Recommendation: Enhance patient education, improve symptom management, provide tailored support for high-risk groups, and involve family members in IBD care to improve patients' outcome.