scholarly journals Experiences of patients living with inflammatory bowel disease in rural communities

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca K. Britt ◽  
Andrew Englebert

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease that often has fluctuating and painful symptoms. IBD patients must cope with a lifelong illness with relapses, remissions, and varied treatments that can affect their overall quality of life. Patients living in a rural setting are faced with further challenges such as access to healthcare, physician availability, and socioeconomic factors. For the current study, we interviewed adult patients in a clinic who were diagnosed with IBD for at least 3 years to better understand their experiences with the aim to inform intervention and educations for patients and physicians. Through a thematic analysis, we argue that five themes emerged from the data: i) IBD etiology, ii) ceding self-care, iii) environmental factors associated with disclosure, iv) stigma, and v) environmental obstacles to care. We suggest opportunities for research and collaboration among researchers and practitioners to help reduce stigma associated with IBD and promote health among rural communities.

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 996-1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Chavarría ◽  
M J Casanova ◽  
M Chaparro ◽  
M Barreiro-de Acosta ◽  
E Ezquiaga ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], to identify the factors associated with fatigue and its severity, to assess the impact of fatigue on quality of life [QoL], and to evaluate the relationship between fatigue and sleep disorders. Methods This was a prospective multicentre study conducted at 22 Spanish centres. Consecutive patients followed at IBD Units were included. Fatigue was evaluated with the Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS] and the Fatigue Impact Scale [FIS]. Quality of life and sleep quality were assessed using the IBD Questionnaire-Short Form [IBDQ-9] and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], respectively. Results A total of 544 consecutive adult IBD patients were included [50% women, mean age 44 years, 61% Crohn’s disease]. The prevalence of fatigue was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 37–45%). The variables associated with an increased risk of fatigue were: anxiety [OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.6–3.7], depression [OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.4–3.8], presence of extraintestinal manifestations [EIMs] [OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1–2.6], and treatment with systemic steroids [OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.4–5.7]. The presence of EIMs [regression coefficient, RC = 8.2, 95% CI = 2.3–14.2], anxiety [RC = 25.8, 95% CI = 20.0–31.5], depression [RC = 30.6, 95% CI = 24.3–37.0], and sleep disturbances [RC = 15.0, 95% CI = 9.3–20.8] were associated with severity of fatigue. Patients with fatigue had a significantly decreased IBDQ-9 score [p < 0.001]. Conclusions The prevalence of fatigue in IBD patients is remarkably high and has a negative impact on QoL. Therapy with systemic steroids is associated with an increased risk of fatigue. The severity of fatigue is associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and the presence of EIMs. Fatigue was not associated with anaemia, disease activity or anti-TNF therapy.


Author(s):  
Amir Nazarian ◽  
Kirles Bishay ◽  
Reza Gholami ◽  
Michael A Scaffidi ◽  
Rishad Khan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Health-related quality of life (QoL) is often adversely affected in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to identify factors associated with poor QoL among Canadian patients with IBD in clinical remission. Methods We enrolled patients at a single academic tertiary care center with inactive IBD. All eligible patients completed a series of questionnaires that included questions on demographics, disease activity, anxiety, depression and the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Stool sample for fecal calprotectin (FC) was also collected to assess for subclinical inflammation. The primary outcome measure was QoL assessed by the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ), with planned subgroup comparisons for fatigue, anxiety, depression and IBS symptoms. Results Ninety-three patients were eligible for inclusion in this study. The median SIBDQ scores were lower in patients with anxiety (P &lt; 0.001), depression (P = 0.004), IBS symptoms (P &lt; 0.001) and fatigue (P = 0.018). Elevated FC in patients in clinical remission did not impact QoL. These findings were consistent on multivariate linear regression. Conclusions Anxiety, depression, fatigue and IBS symptoms are all independently associated with lower QoL in patients with inactive IBD. Clinicians are encouraged to screen for these important factors as they may detrimentally impact QoL in IBD patients even in clinical remission.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S612-S613
Author(s):  
S Fourie ◽  
C Norton ◽  
D Jackson ◽  
W Czuber-Dochan

Abstract Background Sexual function in those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is known to be affected by their condition, with impact on their psychosocial well-being. Little is known about the causality of low sexual functions scores and their contribution to low quality of life reports. The aim of this study was to explore how intimacy and sexuality is experienced in the context of IBD. Methods This was a phenomenological study guided by van Manen’s methodology. Data were collected from 43 participants from interviews and narrative accounts submitted via Google Forms. Reflection on four existential domains (body, relationships, space and time) and thematic analysis were used to interpret the data. Results Four themes were generated from data analysis: Otherness of the sick body, Interrupted connectedness, Missing out on life fullness and Fragmented openness. These led to the overarching theme Sexuality as lived incompleteness, which reflected the essence of the experiences described by participants. Their experiences were deeply embedded in everyday life, and the IBD posed an obstacle to intimacy and sexuality, negatively affecting their life, relationships, family planning and their social position, imposing limitations and isolation. Conclusion IBD has a significant impact on sexual well-being with negative effects on overall quality of life, which may be unknown to healthcare professionals, therefore remain unaddressed. A better understanding of the potential issues could help healthcare professionals identify and address concerns and worries related to sexual well-being, and approach them in a reflective, holistic manner in situations arising in practice.


2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen E. Curtis ◽  
Gary W. Harper ◽  
Leonard A. Jason ◽  
Brigida Hernandez

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 206-213
Author(s):  
Mario García-Alanís ◽  
Lizette Quiroz-Casian ◽  
Héctor Castañeda-González ◽  
Perla Arguelles-Castro ◽  
Liz Toapanta-Yanchapaxi ◽  
...  

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