摘要AIM: To assess patients' understanding for the reasons for taking 5-aminosalicylic acid or ursodeoxycholic acid as chemoprophylaxis against colorectal carcinoma associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).METHODS: A questionnaire-based study using a 5 point opinion scale was performed. One hundred and ninety-two patients with colitis only and 74 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and IBD were invited to take part.RESULTS: Overall response rate was 58%. Sixtyfour percent of patients claimed full concordance with chemoprophylaxis for maintenance of remission. Eightyfour percent of patients considered daily concordance during remission to be very important. Seventy-five percent stated they understood the reasons for taking the drugs. However, only 50% of the patients were aware of any link of their condition to bowel cancer.Seventy-nine percent of patients felt their concordance and understanding would be improved if they were informed of the chemoprophylactic potential of the medication.CONCLUSION: Despite good self-reported concordance,half of the patients were unaware of an association between colitis and bowel cancer. Explaining the potential chemoprophylactic benefits may enhance and ursodeoxycholic acid and help maintain remission.