P-235 YI Sexual Dysfunction Assessment in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term used for diseases such as the Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC), both characterized by a chronic intestinal inflammation. IBD can change the patients' quality of life and sexuality. Sexuality is an important factor concerning personal satisfaction and quality of life in general. Few professionals touch on this subject during clinical practice. It's up to nursing care the patient's reception and the opening of a wider communication channel between patients and the professionals. The objectives of this study were to study the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in IBD patients and presenting the importance of this subject's approach by the nurse. Methods: It was an observational study with 99 IBD outpatients; 118 controls were paired by gender and age. The Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) was used to assess the clinical activity of CD patients. Mayo score was used to assess the clinical activity of UC patients. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) was used to measure the healthy related quality of life. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was used to measure anxiety and depression. The women's sexual response assessment was done through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and men's sexual health was done with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIFE). Results: The mean age was 38.89 ± 10.15 years; 57% were women; 73% were in a consensual relationship; 8% were smokers; 97% heterosexual. 57% presented CD, 36% in clinic activity; 43% had UC, 16% in clinic activity; 42% undergone biological therapy. 2% were ostomates and 31% presented perianal disease. Regarding quality of life and psychological aspects, 65% presented an excellent/good quality of life; 48% were anxious (P = 0.0963); 24% were depressed (P = 0.2353) and 90% presented high self-esteem (P = 0.3137), with no statistic difference when compared to control group. Regarding sexual factors, 13% of the patients presented dyspareunia, 5% of the men reported use of medication to facilitate erection (P = 1.0), 28% presented medium to moderate erectile dysfunction (P = 0.1122), 81% were satisfied with their sexual life (P = 0.5625). 93% of the women presented sexual dysfunction (P = 0.6990), 73% reported having vaginal lubrication during the sex act (P = 0.3083), 80% were satisfied with their sexual life (P = 0.2601) and 29% were in sexual abstinence (P = 0.6843). Conclusions: There was sexual dysfunction prevalence on this target population, with no difference between the patients and the control group. Nurses have an important role during the whole assistance, since they can clarify doubts and contribute to education, comprehension regarding the disease, adherence to the treatment, improving the relationship between the medical team and the patients and their families, leading to treatment acceptance, evolving into a good and accompanied life quality.