Therapy experiences and preferences among patients with anemia: Results of a cross-sectional survey among Italian patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Anemia represents one of the most common and often the least treated complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AIMS: Our study investigates experiences and preferences concerning anemia treatment in patients with IBD.

METHODS: IBD patients previously diagnosed with anemia were invited to participate in an anonymous survey between July and September 2015, which assessed demographic and clinical data, and experiences regarding anemia treatment.

RESULTS: A total of 118 IBD patients were invited to participate in the study, of which 100 (85%) were included in the analysis. Seventy-five percent of patients reported a high personal burden related to intravenous therapy, while the majority of companions (76%) declared a moderate burden. The increased importance assigned to the possibility of a single session treatment was significantly associated with age (Beta=0.01; p=0.03), working status (Beta=0.02; p=0.04), anemia severity (severe vs. mild, Beta=0.42; p=0.03), and intravenous treatment (Beta=0.44; p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Most patients reported a high personal and a moderate companions' burden. Having the possibility of effective single dose intravenous therapy was of great importance. Patients' perspective provides key information for evaluating the indirect costs of anemia treatment in IBD which, according to the health technology assessment approach, could be useful in a patient centered decision making process.