title: The lived experience of adults with ulcerative colitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of adults living with ulcerative colitis.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Research to date has focused on the impact of inflammatory bowel disease, by analysing the responses of persons with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease collectively. This article addresses the dearth in literature by exploring the experiences of adults living with ulcerative colitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  An exploratory qualitative phenomenological design was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 10 adults with ulcerative colitis. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three super-ordinate themes emerged from the analysis: 'living with physical discomfort', 'emotional turmoil in living the experience' and 'social interactions'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The participants described a fundamental change in their lifestyle, as a result of physical discomfort and emotional turmoil. Misconceptions held regarding the causes of their disease, further compounded their negative emotional experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is of importance that health care professionals understand and explore the unique perspectives of individuals with ulcerative colitis. These perspectives relate to both physical and psychosocial issues. The needs and concerns of persons with ulcerative colitis can then guide the formulation and development of an individualised care plan.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sammut
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.|Kingston University and St George's, University of London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Josianne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scerri
authors.affiliation: Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.|Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Rita Borg
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Xuereb
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life
keywords: inflammatory bowel diseases; interpretative phenomenological analysis; lived experience; qualitative; quality of life; ulcerative colitis