Open AccessBarrett Esophagus: Quality of life and factors associated with illness perception
Author(s) -
Endevan Loon Mirjam C. M.,
Nieuwkerk Pythia T.,
Stiphout Stephan H. C.,
Scheffer Robert C. H.,
Ridder Rogier J. J.,
Pouw Roos E.,
Alkhalaf Alaa,
Weusten Bas L. A. M.,
Curvers Wouter L.,
Schoon Erik J.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
united european gastroenterology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.667
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 2050-6414
pISSN - 2050-6406
DOI - 10.1002/ueg2.12266
Subject(s) - medicine , worry , anxiety , gerd , hospital anxiety and depression scale , quality of life (healthcare) , population , barrett's esophagus , logistic regression , disease , depression (economics) , esophagus , reflux , cancer , psychiatry , adenocarcinoma , nursing , environmental health , economics , macroeconomics
Background Health‐related Quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE), a premalignant condition, may be influenced by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods We aim to investigate HRQoL in non‐dysplastic Barrett Esophagus (NDBE) patients, identify factors associated with a negative illness perception of the diagnosis BE and compare outcomes between patients treated in a specialized BE center with non‐expert centers. In this multi‐center cross‐sectional study, HRQoL of NDBE patients were assessed using the Short Form 36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Cancer worry Scale, and Reflux Disease Questionnaire. A multivariable, linear regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with illness perception (Illness perception scale) of the BE diagnosis. Outcome parameters of patients from expert centers were compared to non‐expert centers. Results A total of 859 NDBE patients (mean age 63.6% and 74.5% male) , of which 640 from BE expert centers were included. BE patients scored similar or higher means (i.e. better) on generic HRQoL in comparison with a Dutch norm population. The multivariable regression model showed that cancer worry, GERD symptoms, signs of anxiety and depression, and female gender were associated with a negative illness perception of BE. GERD symptoms were reported in the minority (22.4%) of BE patients. Levels of anxiety symptoms were comparable to a Dutch norm population (mean 3.7 vs. 3.9 p 0.183) and lower for depression symptoms (mean 6.8 vs. 7.6 p < 0.001). Overall, there were no differences found on outcomes between expert centers and non‐expert centers. Conclusion NDBE patients scored similar or better on generic HRQoL, anxiety and depression than an age and gender matched norm population. The presence of cancer worry, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety and depression, and female gender are factors associated with a negative illness perception of the diagnosis BE.