Adv Nurs. 2022 Dec 13. doi: 10.1111/jan.15532. Online ahead of print.

Kendra J Kamp ¹, Hailey Morgan ², Linda Yoo ¹, Sean A Munson ³, Margaret M Heitkemper ¹, Rona L Levy ⁴

Author information

¹Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

²University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.

³Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

⁴School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Abstract

Aims: To understand the experiences and needs of symptom management among individuals with irritable bowel syndrome and concurrent symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.

Design: This study used a qualitative descriptive research design.

Methods: Individuals with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome and concurrent symptoms of anxiety and/or depression participated were recruited through an online ResearchMatch and a listserv. Semi-structured interviews focused on symptoms and experiences with symptom management interventions conducted from June to August 2020. Interviews were transcribed and data were analysed based on thematic analysis.

Results: Twelve individuals participated in this study; all reported current irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety/depression symptoms. The data analysis cumulated with three themes related to symptom management: (a) irritable bowel syndrome negatively impacts physical and mental well-being; (b) a trial and error approach to symptom management; and (c) challenges with healthcare professionals supporting symptom management including negative interactions with healthcare professionals and lack of nutritional expertize and support.

Conclusion: There is a need for individualized approaches which consider patients' current symptoms of anxiety and depression, previous experiences with the trial-and-error process and consideration for intervention delivery methods.

Impact: There is a limited qualitative research focusing on the experiences of individuals with irritable bowel syndrome and concurrent symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. This research highlights the need for individualized approaches to enhance symptom management that acknowledges patients' psychological state and past negative experiences with providers and prior dietary regimens.