ABSTRACT
Background: A higher rate of anxiety and depression is present in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted mental health in the general population. This study aims to compare the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with IBD during the pre-pandemic period and the pandemic period, and to explore trends in patients' specific IBD-related needs during the pandemic era. Method(s): Data was collected from subjects with IBD in two different timepoints: 2016 and 2021-2022. Self-administered questionnaires were given to adults with confirmed IBD attending an academic IBD Clinic. Data collected included demographic information, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for major depressive disorder (MDD), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire and subject's need for referrals to other services such as nutrition, pain management, mental health services. Scores of 10 or more in the GAD-7 or PHQ-9 indicate need for professional evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio v.4.2.1. This study is approved by the UPR MSC-IRB. Result(s): Two hundred-fifty-two questionnaires were collected in 2016 and 196 during the 2021-22 pandemic period. The majority of subjects were male (54.6%) and had Crohn's disease (69.9%). Mean +/- SD age was 40.2 +/- 14.6. In the PHQ-9, 33.7% (n=91) during 2016, and 16.33% (n=32) during 2021-22 screened positive for MDD. For the GAD-7, 30.7% (n=83) during 2016, and 12.76% (n=25) during 2021- 22 screened positive for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Sex and age differences were not detected for MDD and GAD screening, with exception for age differences in MDD during 2021-2022. The most frequent needs for referrals during 2021-2022 were nutrition evaluation (n = 74), access to IBD education (n = 73), psychology services (n = 71) and participation in research for IBD studies (n = 66) Conclusion(s): The frequency of depression and anxiety in Puerto Ricans with IBD during the pandemic period was lower than pre-pandemic. Possible factors related to this include active use of telemedicine providing regular follow-up, integrated psychological support as part of the regular clinic services, and access to information regarding COVID-19 and IBD. (Figure Presented).