Inflammatory Bowel Disease and mental health
Loading...
Files
Full Text E-thesis
Date
2026-04-28
Authors
Feeley, Chloe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
There is a suggested link in the research literature between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and mental health, which is understood as a bidirectional relationship and mediated by the gut-brain axis. There is a high prevalence of depression and/or anxiety in young adults with IBD. There is also a recognised biopsychosocial impact of IBD on the lives of patients, which can contribute to changes in self-concept, isolation and difficulties with self-management. The presence of psychological difficulties is associated with poorer health-related outcomes in IBD. The information needs of IBD patients relating to their physical and psychological wellbeing are not currently being met by the resources that are available to them. The existing online information sources relating to mental health are highly variable in quality, credibility and utility, and patients do not feel that they receive adequate information from their healthcare providers. In order to explore these factors, two research studies were conducted.
Study one was concerned with young adults with IBD and cooccurring depression and/or anxiety, and explored their understanding of the relationship between IBD and mental health, their previous experiences of communication of this relationship, and their preferences around information provision in the future. This study employed a qualitative design and data collection consisted of three online focus groups with participants (N=8) aged between 18-25. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, and three themes and four subthemes were identified. These related to the young people’s understanding of the relationship between IBD and mental health, the psychosocial burden of IBD, previous sources of information, a focus on physical symptoms, preferences around information provision, the value of peer perspectives, and fluctuating information needs.
Study two encompassed an evaluation of printable and audiovisual materials that provide information around the relationship between IBD and mental health, which are available to patients and the general public. 153 materials (113 printable, 40 audiovisual) from identified public sources (e.g., healthcare providers, websites, social media) were accessed and screened. The materials were rated independently by two raters on their understandability, actionability, reliability and quality, using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) and DISCERN instrument. Descriptive and correlation statistics were conducted. Interrater reliability was moderate to high for both tools. PEMAT scores on understandability were high for both printable (M=70.70) and audiovisual (M=78.79) formats, however audiovisual materials received higher scores for actionability (M=78.65) compared to printable materials (M=49.85). DISCERN scores indicated that most of the materials were of moderate quality. The source of the material was related to quality, and specialist support agencies obtained the most consistent scores. There was, however, high levels of variation in scores across materials contained within the same source categories. Positive correlations were found between materials’ understandability, actionability and overall quality, indicating that if a material presented information more clearly, it was more likely to provide practical guidance and be more reliable.
The findings of this research indicates that young people with IBD and cooccurring depression and/or anxiety report a lived experience of the bidirectional relationship between IBD and mental health, despite reporting a lack of formal knowledge. They report a strong need for accessible, reliable, and practical information that does not heighten anxiety. They indicated a preference for this information to be communicated in person by their healthcare teams. Current resources available to patients are inconsistent in quality and utility, creating a gap that can increase anxiety and reduced confidence in manging their health, which may impact negatively on both their physical and psychological wellbeing. Patient education materials should be assessed for clarity, practical utility and quality to ensure that they meet the information needs of patients.
Description
Keywords
Inflammatory Bowel Disease , Mental health , Patient information , Understandability , Actionability , Anxiety , Depression
Citation
Feeley, C. 2026. Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Mental health. DClinPsych Thesis, University College Cork.