To examine the productivity losses experienced by parents of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Poland, as well as their association with disease activity and patient quality of life. A self-reported questionnaire-based Internet survey was performed among the parents of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn disease (CD). Data were gathered on indirect and direct costs, general patient characteristics, disease activity, pharmacological therapy, and children’s quality of life as evaluated by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. A total of 113 questionnaires were returned. Remission was recorded in 586.6% of cases. Severe disease was more prevalent in UC patients. The average drop in daily activity for parents was 40%. The average (SD) loss in parental job productivity due to absence was 21%, with a cost of €902.77 per parent per year. A working parent’s average (SD) productivity loss at paid job was 35%, with a mean (SD) cost of €1125.13 per year per parent. The PedsQL score was substantially higher in patients with inactive disease than in those with active illness.
The overall loss in parent’s job productivity and the PedsQL score showed a significant difference between patients with inactive and active illness. A negative association was seen between indirect expenses and the PedsQL score for the entire research group; patients in remission had higher health-related quality of life.
