A Comprehensive Self-Management Irritable Bowel Syndrome Program Produces Sustainable Changes in Behavior After 1 Year.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

We developed a comprehensive self-management (CSM) program that combines cognitive behavioral therapy with relaxation and dietary strategies; 9 sessions (1 hour each) over 13 weeks were shown to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and increase quality of life in a randomized trial of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), compared with usual care. The aims of this study were to describe strategies patients with IBS selected and continued to use, 12 months after the CSM program began.

Methods

We performed a cohort study to continue to follow 81 adults with IBS (87% female; mean age, 45 ± 15 years old) who received the CSM program in the previous clinical trial. During the last CSM session, participants selected strategies they intended to continue using

SUBMITTER: Zia JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4718771 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature