A course of instruction for women with irritable bowel syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the effects a course of instruction about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might have on symptoms, psychological well-being, and medical care requirements in these patients.


METHODS
Twenty-nine women with IBS participated in a programme of instruction on medical care, physical activity, stress-management, diet and health insurance. The women completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Psychological General Well-Being Index and provided information about their requirements of medical care before and after the course.


RESULTS
Twenty-three of the women included, completed the questionnaires at 12 months after the course. When comparing these values to those at baseline, there were improvements in abdominal pain (p < 0.037) and vitality (p < 0.045) as well as a reduction in the number of visits to physicians (p < 0.037) and dieticians (p < 0.042).


CONCLUSIONS
Information related to the disease, might help women with IBS to perceive less pain and more vitality and thereby experience a higher quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
A course of instruction for patients with IBS may be of benefit for the patients, and could be a part of a multicomponent approach in the treatment of this patient group.
Bengtsson
Mariette
M
Department of Clinical Sciences, University Hospital Ing 35, S-205 02 Malmö, Lund University, Sweden. mariette.bengtsson@skane.se
Ulander
Kerstin
K
Börgdal
Elisabet Bergh
EB
Christensson
Ann-Christine
AC
Ohlsson
Bodil
B
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology