Effect of Self- Management Instruction on Quality of Life and Pain among Adult Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

: Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder causing changes in stool frequency or form and abdominal pain. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome through lifestyle modification plays an essential role in relieving anxiety, tension, alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and improving quality of life. So, the aim was to evaluate the effect of self-management instruction on quality of life and pain among adult patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Subjects & Method, a quasi-experimental research design was applied. 60 patients were divided into two equivalent groups: a study group who attended educational sessions and a control group who received hospital care only. Three tools had been used in this research: tool I: Structured interview that was divided into three parts. Part I: Socio-demographic data, Part II: Living habits data, Part III: Knowledge questionnaire related to irritable bowel syndrome. Tool II: Numerical Pain Rating Scale: to assess pain level, and Tool III: The irritable bowel syndrome-quality of life questionnaire. Results, illustrated there were a significant difference into knowledge level, pain level and quality of life after implementing educational sessions. Conclusion, educational sessions have an important role in improving patients' knowledge, quality of life and reducing pain level. Recommendation, Self management instructions should be applied along with pharmacological therapy for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.