Long-term effects on social participation: a five year follow-up study of the impact of IBD in adolescents and young adults.

The purpose of the present study is to gain insight into the long-term effects of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) on the social participation of older adolescents and young adults (age 17-29 years at T2). A controlled study in adolescents and young adults with various chronic digestive disorders (age 12-24 years) showed that those with IBD are restricted in their social functioning, e.g. with regard to labour participation and leisure activities. First results of the data from the present five-year follow-up study show that in young adulthood most of the earlier differences between patients and controls have become smaller or even disappeared. Yet, the group with IBD still experiences more negative feelings like loneliness and depression, and are less confident about their physical appearance than their healthy counterparts. Further analyses will be carried out to control for background characteristics. General conclusion: Although IBD at young age can cause several impediments in daily life, in general it does not stand in the way of a relatively normal development into adult functioning. However, gaining and keeping confidence in one’s own social functioning is more difficult when suffering from IBD. Towards physicians and other health care workers it is strongly recommended to recognize, apart from physical functioning, the possible impact of IBD on the social functioning of adolescents and young adults. Especially during the period of adolescence important choices are made which are determinative for future life. More attention for social aspects is requested so that potential restrictions can be identified in an early stage. (aut. ref.