Socioeconomic Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Canada
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastroenterological disorder reported to physicians. In Canada, its prevalence is about 6%. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the prevalence is estimated to be closer to 15%. Patients with IBS tend to make extensive use of healt...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2001-01-01
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| Series: | Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2001/401309 |
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| Summary: | Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional
gastroenterological disorder reported to physicians. In Canada,
its prevalence is about 6%. In the United States and the United
Kingdom, the prevalence is estimated to be closer to 15%.
Patients with IBS tend to make extensive use of health care services,
even though a high percentage of them do not seek medical
advice. The costs of IBS are a large expenditure of scarce
resources. These costs can be divided into several categories:
direct, indirect and intangible costs. The direct costs, associated
with the diagnosis and treatment, are largely sustained by the
health care system. The indirect costs are related to the production
losses due to morbidity, and intangible costs are associated
with the pain, suffering and alteration in the patient’s quality of
life. The condition is a diagnosis of exclusion, and treatment,
although beneficial, is rarely curative. The general treatment
approach stresses the importance of a good physician-patient
relationship. Exploring the nature of the expenses associated
with IBS and understanding how treatment options may affect
these costs are essential to reducing its financial burden. |
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| ISSN: | 0835-7900 |