Support group and IBD patients quality of life

Objectives. An increasing number of studies has shown the beneficial effect of psychological therapies in case of patients suffering from chronic diseases, which improve their quality of life (QoL). For inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, the evidence related to the effect of various types of psychological therapies continues to be inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the effect on IBD patients QoL of a support group that applies cognitive and behavioural techniques. Materials and methods. We conducted a randomize control trial which included 60 patients diagnosed with IBD. All patients were evaluated (medical records, IBDQ32) and randomized (1: 1) into 2 groups: group A - 30 patients benefit from specialized educational and psychological counselling (SEPC) and group B - 30 patients - control group who will only follow the regulations in current medical practice (CMP). The whole group of patients was reassessed after 12 months (medical records, IBDQ32). Results. The initial assessment of QoL did not reveal significant differences of IBDQ scores between the two groups (p>0,05). At the end of the study period, 16 patients (53,3%) of group that benefited from SEPC presented significantly higher IBDQ scores (p <0,05), particularly the scores that have assessed the emotional and social function of the QoL. For 11 patients (36,6%) from this group, SEPC did not influenced IBDQ scores. Three patients (10%) from group A had lower IBDQ scores. Conclusions. According to our results, SPEC did not determined significant differences in IBDQ scores that evaluated gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms of IBD patients. This can be due to the fact that SPEC had a low impact on disease activity in general. Statistically significant differences were found in IBDQ scores that estimate the patient's emotional and social functions. In conclusion, SPEC has a positive impact on IBD patients QoL.