This study suggests that using community supports contrib­utes to a better subjective outcome of surgery for IBD. Use of supportive resources was correlated with a higher quality of life in our sample, which is consistent with the reported value of social support for medical outcomes in general. Furthermore, the survey data suggest that in a [...]

Of 92 subjects who completed both the resource question­naire and the IBDQ, 43 (47%) were men and 49 (53%) were women. The mean age was 38.0 years (range 17 to 71 years). The mean age at onset of symptoms was 27.6 years (range six to 68 years). Forty-six (50%) had ulcerative colitis, while 43 (47%) [...]

Of 219 patients who underwent surgery for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, On­tario between September 5, 1996 and September, 29 1997, 145 could be contacted by telephone and were invited to participate in the study. Fifteen patients declined. One hun­dred and thirty questionnaires were distributed by mail for self-administration. Participants [...]