Impact of inflammatory bowel diseases on working life: A French nationwide survey

BackgroundInflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) affect working-age patients. Data was lacking concerning the impact on working life.AimsThe French IBD patient association conducted a nationwide survey to assess the burden of IBD at work.MethodsAn online survey was performed in 2016, targeting IBD patients working or having worked previously. The results were compared to those observed in the general population.ResultsData from 1410 IBD patients were analyzed (62% Crohn’s disease, 35% ulcerative colitis). Four-fifth of respondents were actively employed. Half of them stated that working with IBD was a problem. Compared to the general population, IBD employees had higher rates of permanent contracts, public employment but also of part-time contracts, and highly graduated patients were less likely to reach high qualified jobs. Among the disabling symptoms at work, fatigue was the most frequent (41%) followed by diarrhea (25%) and fecal incontinence (18%). Despite these difficulties, 76% were satisfied with their job. Most patients shared their IBD diagnosis with their colleagues, but 25% of them regretted it.ConclusionIBD has a strong negative impact on working life. While work satisfaction remains high, IBD affects career plans, highlighting the need for supporting measures to improve patients’ work experience.