The impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease related fatigue on Health-Related Quality of Life: a qualitative semi-structured interview study. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Radford, Shellie J; Moran, Gordon W; Czuber-Dochan, Wladyslawa
• Is Part Of: Journal of research in nursing. Volume 27:Number 8(2022)
• Page Start: 685
• Page End: 702
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Crohn's disease -- fatigue -- health related quality of life -- inflammatory bowel disease -- interview; Nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing Care -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/17449871211061048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-9871

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is a frequently reported symptom of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), having a negative impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Patients' experiences of this have not been researched in IBD. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults with Crohn's Disease from out-patient clinics in the United Kingdom. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, then analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Fourteen participant interviews were conducted. Three key themes were identified: 1) 'The new normal' established through adaptation and acceptance; 2) 'Energy as a resource' describing attempts to better manage fatigue through planning and prioritising tasks; 3) 'Keeping healthy' encompasses participants' beliefs that 'good health' allows better management of fatigue. Conclusion: Participants establish a 'new' normality, through maintaining the same or similar level of employment/education activities. However, this is often at the expense of social activities. Further research is required to explore patient led self-management interventions in IBD fatigue.