Disease burden and unmet medical need in patients with Crohn’s disease in Greece: a cross-sectional patient survey

Charalampos Tzanetakos; Vasiliki-Rafaela Vakouftsi; George Mavridoglou; Marina Psarra; George Gourzoulidis

Authors Charalampos Tzanetakos, Vasiliki-Rafaela Vakouftsi, George Mavridoglou, Marina Psarra, George Gourzoulidis.

Abstract

Background Improving Crohn’s disease (CD) management requires a comprehensive understanding of the disease’s full impact. Τhis real-world, patient-reported survey investigated the disease burden and unmet medical needs among Greek patients with CD.

Methods Between October 2023 and January 2024, members of the Hellenic Society of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Patients (HELLESCC) completed a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire captured demographics, disease and treatment characteristics, as well as patient-reported outcomes: Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), treatment satisfaction, and treatment adherence. To determine associated factors, both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out.

Results Among 240 CD patients, 52.9% had active disease and 83.7% were treated with advanced therapies (biological/small molecule agents). Approximately 73.1% reported impaired quality of life (QoL) (SIBDQ <60), 30.9% reduced work productivity, and 36.0% limitations in daily activities. Nearly half (46.1%) reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10). Four of 10 patients expressed dissatisfaction with their treatment and 9.9% reported reduced adherence. Higher disease activity was associated with poorer QoL, reduced work productivity, worse mental health, and lower treatment satisfaction. Notably, 76.3% of patients on advanced
therapies reported impaired QoL. Of these, 30.9% were in clinical remission.

Conclusions In Greece, CD patients continue to bear a substantial disease burden, evidenced by reduced QoL, impaired work productivity and daily activity, high rates of depression, and persistent disease activity. A significant proportion also reported dissatisfaction with their treatment, underscoring ongoing unmet needs in disease management.

Keywords Crohn’s disease, disease burden, unmet medical need, patient-reported outcomes

Ann Gastroenterol 2025; 38 (6): 629-640