• awareness
• coping strategies
• daily life
• gastrointestinal conditions
• lived experiences
• negative emotional experiences
• remission

• Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM
• abdominal pain
• analgesia
• chitin-glucan
• inflammation
• irritable bowel syndrome
• prebiotic
• probiotic
• synbiotic

• Animals
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Synbiotics/administration & dosage
• Rats
• Disease Models, Animal
• Male
• Glucans/pharmacology
• Colon/metabolism
• Colon/pathology
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome/metabolism
• Chitin/pharmacology
• Inflammation
• Rats, Wistar
• Probiotics/administration & dosage
• Peroxidase/metabolism
• Cytokines/metabolism

• SPW-EER, convention 8588, Belgium Service Public de Wallonie
• SPW-EER, convention 8588 Service Public de Wallonie

• dietary intervention
• experiences
• irritable bowel syndrome
• nutrition
• qualitative research
• structured dietary changes

• Humans
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome/diet therapy
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome/psychology
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome/therapy
• Female
• Male
• Adult
• Middle Aged
• Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted/methods
• Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted/psychology
• Qualitative Research
• Feeding Behavior/psychology
• Diet/methods
• Dietary Carbohydrates/administration & dosage
• Young Adult
• Aged
• Patient Compliance/psychology
• Monosaccharides/administration & dosage
• Fermentation

• 939090, 931291, 839182 The Health & Medical Care Committee of the Region Västra Götaland
• 2018-02566 Swedish Research Council
• 771191, 932656, 722331 Agreement concerning research and education of doctors
• 1606-01, 1703-01 The Wilhelm and Martina Lundgren Science Foundation, Skandia
• 1511-01 Dietary Science foundation
• 2016-00136 Nanna Swartz Foundation
• The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results

• Abdominal pain
• Chitin-glucan
• Defecatory disorders
• Flatulence
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Natural non-pharmacological treatment
• Stool consistency

• Abdominal pain
• Chitin-glucan
• Inflammation
• Intestinal barrier
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Microbial cell walls chelation
• Molecular modelling

• Animals
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome/drug therapy
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome/physiopathology
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Male
• Disease Models, Animal
• Humans
• Colon/drug effects
• Colon/pathology
• Rats
• Visceral Pain/drug therapy
• Visceral Pain/physiopathology
• Visceral Pain/metabolism
• Visceral Pain/etiology
• Chitin/pharmacology
• Glucans/pharmacology
• Glucans/administration & dosage
• Mice
• Prebiotics/administration & dosage
• Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid/toxicity
• Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects
• Intestinal Mucosa/pathology
• Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism
• Colitis/drug therapy
• Colitis/chemically induced
• Colitis/physiopathology
• Colitis/pathology
• HT29 Cells

• EQ-5D
• EuroQOL
• IBS-QOL
• irritable bowel syndrome
• quality of life

• functional gastrointestinal disorders
• gut–brain axis
• psychological intervention
• quality of life

• Coronavirus
• Endoscopy
• Pandemic
• Telemedicine

• absenteeism
• activities of daily living
• irritable bowel syndrome
• presenteeism
• work

• IBD
• IBS
• gastrointestinal conditions
• psychosocial
• scoping review
• wellbeing

• Adaptation, Psychological
• Humans
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/psychology
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome/psychology
• Models, Biopsychosocial
• Quality of Life/psychology

• gastrointestinal disorders
• healthcare costs
• motility disorders
• patient hotel model
• quality of care

• Adolescence
• FGID
• diagnosis
• functional
• functional gastrointestinal disorders

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder. Earlier studies have shown that IBS can limit the ability to perform at work and lead to absenteeism. However, few studies focus on work life experiences based on patients’ narratives. The purpose of this study was to construct a theory for how persons with IBS maintain their work life.

A qualitative study was performed using constructivist grounded theory. Semi-structured interviews with 15 women and 8 men with IBS (26–64 years of age) were conducted. Fourteen participants worked full-time, six worked part-time and three were on sick leave. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded line-by-line, incident-by-incident and thereafter focused coding was done. From the data and codes, categories were generated. Finally, a core category was constructed explaining the process of maintaining work life when living with IBS.

Balancing work life while being under threat of symptoms constituted of four categories, being prepared, restricting impact, reconciling and adjusting. Persons with IBS restricted the impact of IBS on work by using strategies and upholding daily routines and strived to being prepared by exerting control over work life. These ongoing processes served to limit the influence of IBS on work by symptoms being less intense, perceived as less frequent, or not as bothersome. Reconciling IBS with work life was understood as a successful outcome from being prepared and restricting impact but was also influenced by the individual’s outlook on life. Adjusting to other people at work interfered with the strategies of being prepared, restricting impact, and reconciling, leaving persons with IBS more susceptible to symptoms.

This study deepens the understanding of the work situation for persons with IBS. Health care professionals can use the results of this study in the dialogue with the patient discussing work ability and sick leave. The results imply that although balancing work life under threat of symptoms can be a struggle, there are strategies that persons with IBS and employers together can initiate and use to reduce impact on work on several different levels.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent disorder with significant negative impact on quality of life of patients that results in high healthcare use and costs. Improving healthcare outcomes for IBS patients is warranted, however the exact needs of IBS patients with regard to therapy and control of symptoms are unknown.

Focus group interviews, using a two-stage model, were performed with twenty-three IBS patients meeting Rome III criteria and one mother of a patient, from four different regions from the Netherlands.

Twenty-four participants were included of whom majority were female (n = 21), mean age was 43 years, and mean duration of IBS was 18 years. Five categories of patients’ perspectives were identified: clear communication, a multidisciplinary treatment team, centers of expertise, focus on scientific research and information about IBS that is widely available for patients.

Based on these findings we highlight the need for IBS care givers to take these key items into account in IBS care. These elements aid clinicians, but mostly patients, in coping and management of symptoms and subsequent healthcare outcomes, reducing overall healthcare use and costs.

• Focus group
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Patient preference
• Therapy
• Treatment

• irritable bowel syndrome

• anxiety
• coping strategies
• depression
• irritable bowel syndrome
• psychological alarms
• stressors

• Adaptation, Psychological
• Adult
• Anxiety
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Humans
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Quality of Life
• Saudi Arabia
• Surveys and Questionnaires

• Adults
• Experiences
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Needs
• Qualitative

• Adaptation, Psychological
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods
• Humans
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome/psychology
• Middle Aged
• Young Adult

• Discomfort
• Gastrointestinal Disorder
• IBS-D
• Pain Relief

• Diarrhea/drug therapy
• Female
• Humans
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome/drug therapy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Surveys and Questionnaires

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common and often negatively affects quality of life. Patients frequently perceive medical interventions as inadequate and seek support from other sources, including online discussion forums.

To explore online discussion forum topics posted by people with IBS.

A qualitative study exploring three UK-based online discussion forums.

A scoping review identified UK-based discussion forums with high activity and frequent use, which did not require a password/registration to view posts (two IBS-specific and one general health forum). Internal search functions were used to identify and export relevant discussion threads relating to managing IBS. Inductive thematic analysis of exported discussions was undertaken.

Analysis identified two main overarching themes from 122 relevant discussion threads: 1) sharing information and practical advice about lifestyle changes; and 2) receiving emotional support. The most prevalent topics were lifestyle changes, including diet, using oral preparations (for example, supplements or probiotics), and physical activity. Dietary changes were usually considered positive, and most hopeful for potentially alleviating symptoms. Emotional support was also regularly offered with expressions of empathy, kindness, and gratitude, and a sense of users feeling less alone. Some discussions raised concern around potentially inappropriate symptomatic reassurance, and negative or conflicting advice.

Online forums seem, generally, to be a positive experience for those posting, but include potential risks of misinformation. Most posts focus on symptomatic relief through lifestyle change and/or emotional support. Clinicians could gain a better understanding of patients’ ideas, concerns, and expectations of IBS diagnosis and management by asking about patient-acquired online forum information.

• discussion forum
• general practice
• irritable bowel syndrome
• online support group
• primary healthcare
• qualitative research
• self-management

Women of childbearing age experience the highest prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), yet little is known about their psychosocial and parenting needs, which may influence their children’s experience of future gastrointestinal or pain-related conditions. The aims of this study were to conduct qualitative interviews to understand the psychosocial and parenting needs of mothers with IBS who have young school-age children, and to assess mothers’ potential interest in and acceptability of a preventive parenting intervention program. Ten mothers with IBS who have young (age 5–10), healthy children were interviewed. Interviews were coded with thematic analysis and three themes were identified: (1) Guilt about how IBS impacts children, (2) Worry that children will develop IBS, and (3) Already on high alert for children’s health. All mothers expressed interest in an Internet-based preventive intervention and identified tools and strategies they would want included. Results demonstrate that mothers experience guilt about how IBS has impacted their children in their daily lives, concern that they need to pay attention to children’s early signs and symptoms that could indicate gastrointestinal problems, and worry about children developing IBS in the future—suggesting that a preventive intervention may address important concerns for this population.

• children
• chronic pain
• irritable bowel syndrome
• parenting

There is a lack of dietitians trained to deliver the low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet (LFD) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Many patients receive nutritional information from general practitioners (GPs) or gastroenterologists (GEs). Since the LFD is dietitian-led, the aim of this research was to qualitatively explore the effects of GP- and GE-delivered LFD information, in IBS self-management. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a purposive sample of 8 people with IBS (6 female), who used the LFD as their primary treatment. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to develop themes on the lived experience of the participant’s use of LFD information from GPs and GEs. This information was perceived as trustworthy but simplistic; often just ”food lists” with little personalisation to meet individual needs and difficult to apply in ”real life”. The information required substantial interpretation and the familial and social effects of implementation were not addressed in the materials provided. Supplementary digital resources were regarded as more practical but the participants expressed concern in relation to the validity of these materials. The findings in this study support current clinical guidelines proposed by both the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the British Dietetic Association that the LFD should be considered a dietitian-led only intervention.

• education delivery
• irritable bowel syndrome
• low FODMAP diet
• nutritional information

• Exercise
• gastrointestinal diseases
• irritable bowel syndrome
• physical activity
• qualitative research

• exercise
• gastrointestinal diseases
• irritable bowel syndrome
• physical activity
• qualitative research

Previous studies have identified issues with the doctor–patient relationship in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that negatively impact symptom management. Despite this, little research has explored interactions between GPs and patients with refractory IBS. National guidelines suggest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a treatment option for refractory symptoms.

To explore perceptions of interactions with GPs in individuals with refractory IBS after receiving CBT for IBS or treatment as usual (TAU).

This qualitative study was embedded within a trial assessing CBT in refractory IBS. Fifty-two participants took part in semi-structured interviews post-treatment in UK primary and secondary care.

Inductive and/or data-driven thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes in the interview data.

Two key themes were identified: perceived paucity of GPs’ IBS knowledge and lack of empathy from GPs, but with acknowledgement that this has improved in recent years. These perceptions were described through three main stages of care: reaching a ‘last-resort diagnosis’; searching for the right treatment through a trial-and-error process, which lacked patient involvement; and unsatisfactory long-term management. Only CBT participants reported a shared responsibility with their doctors concerning symptom management and an intention to reduce health-seeking behaviour.

In this refractory IBS group, specific doctor–patient communication issues were identified. Increased explanation of the process of reaching a positive diagnosis, more involvement of patients in treatment options (including a realistic appraisal of potential benefit), and further validation of symptoms could help. This study supports a role for CBT-based IBS self-management programmes to help address these areas and a suggestion that earlier access to these programmes may be beneficial.

• cognitive behavioural therapy
• doctor–patient relations
• irritable bowel syndrome
• qualitative research

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common and adversely affects patients' quality of life. Multiple potential treatment options exist for patients (and clinicians) to choose from, with limited evidence to inform treatment selection. The aim was to explore how patients with IBS go about seeking and appraising different treatment modalities, with a view to elucidating the psychological processes involved and identifying opportunities to improve clinical practice.

Qualitative study nested within a randomized controlled trial of therapist‐delivered and web‐based cognitive behavioural therapy versus treatment‐as‐usual for IBS.

A total of 52 people participated in semi‐structured interviews about their prior experiences of treatments for IBS. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Key themes (desperation for a cure, disappointment at lack of cure, appraising the effects of diverse treatments, and hope for positive effects) clustered around an overarching theme of being trapped within a vicious cycle of hope and despair on treatment seeking. A desperation and willingness drove interviewees to try any treatment modality available that might potentially offer relief. Coming to accept there is no cure for IBS helped interviewees escape the vicious cycle. Treatments were appraised for their effects on symptoms and quality of life while also considering, but rarely prioritizing, other aspects including convenience of the regimen itself, whether it addressed the perceived root causes of IBS, perceived side‐effects, and cost.

Treatment seeking in IBS can be challenging for patients. Supportive discussions with health care professionals about illness perceptions, treatment beliefs, and goals could improve patients' experiences.