The DIVIPACT cohort profile: Evaluating the impact of colonic diverticulosis on daily life.

AIM

Colonic diverticulosis is asymptomatic in most subjects but can impact daily life. The DIVIPACT study comprehensively explores the impact of diverticulosis on daily life. The aim of this publication is to introduce the DIVIPACT cohort, present self-reported data from a cross-sectional survey and outline the potential for further research.

METHOD

The DIVIPACT cohort comprises subjects diagnosed with diverticulosis (K572-9) in the Central Denmark Region (five hospitals, ~1.3 million residents) between 2010 and 2022 who responded to an online questionnaire survey conducted in 2023 assessing health factors and quality of life (QoL). Self-reported data were linked to Danish health registries for consenting responders. Responders were categorized according to previous hospital management (inpatient, outpatient or diverticulosis) and characterized based on self-reported health factors.

RESULTS

Of the 20 961 responders (74% response rate), 19 244 (92%) consented to data linkage. Among these, 4184 (22%) were inpatients, 8666 (45%) were outpatients and 6394 (33%) had diverticulosis only. Overall, 1596 (10%) reported restrictions on activity due to diverticulosis in the past 4 weeks. Bowel function affected QoL in 66% of inpatients, 54% of outpatients and 44% of diverticulosis-only individuals.

CONCLUSION

The DIVIPACT cohort provides one of the most extensive datasets available for evaluating the impact of colonic diverticulosis on daily life, addressing important knowledge gaps and providing a foundation for patient-centred management strategies.