Quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in the Czech Republic

Summary: Introduction: Normalization of the quality of life is an important therapeutic goal in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Aim: To evaluate the quality of life in patients with IBD in the Czech Republic. Methods: The study involved patients with IBD aged ≥ 18 years who were approached through gastroenterology departments in the Czech Republic and online through a patient organization. Patients completed a one-time, anonymous questionnaire focusing on various aspects of the quality of life. Results: The study was conducted between September 2024 and May 2025 involving 1,272 patients (60% with Crohn‘s disease, 58% women, median age 39 years, and 60.3% on biological therapy). The most commonly reported problem associated with IBD was fatigue (82.5%), followed by gastrointestinal symptoms and extraintestinal manifestations. Up to 40% of respondents reported psychological problems (anxiety and depression). Approximately two-thirds of patients (57–69%) admitted to at least occasional restrictions in social activities such as travelling, playing sports, or eating in public places. Two-thirds of respondents (72.1%) stated that they work full-time or part-time, and 20.1% admitted to receiving disability pension. Targeted therapy – biologics and small molecules (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.25–2.45), Crohn‘s disease (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.09–2.03), and relapse frequency ≥ 1 per year (OR 2.73; 95% CI 2.02–3.72) increased the risk, while higher education (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.34–0.66) reduced the risk of disability. Conclusion: This study highlighted the negative impact of IBD on various aspects of patients‘ lives, particularly their personal and professional lives, and the high incidence of mental health problems among IBD patients.