Date of Award

Spring 5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Human Ecology

First Advisor

Vicky Green

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 10 people globally (Black & Ford, 2020). Since IBS is such a common GI disorder worldwide it is important to understand that impact it has on quality of life. This study assessed the differences in the effects of IBS on the quality of life in patients with each of the three types of IBS: IBS-D, IBS-C, and IBS-M. Potential respondents were recruited via social media using an online survey, which collected demographics and assessed the effects of IBS on quality of life. The survey was also emailed to FODMAP trained dietitians who were asked to share the survey with their patients. Data collection lasted for approximately 9 weeks. One hundred and ninety-two responses were analyzed. Descriptive statistics for demographic data were reported as frequencies and correlated to the quality of life subscale scores. An ANOVA was used to analyze the differences between the total quality of life scores and subscale scores among patients with IBS-D, IBS-C, and IBS-M. An ANOVA was also used to analyze the differences between total quality of life scores among the different races, education levels, and monthly spending on IBS. A t-test was used to analyze the differences between quality of life subscale scores among female and male patients. A p-value ≤ 0.05 indicated significance. A significant difference in total quality of life scores was found between groups based on how much money participants spend monthly on treatments for/managing their IBS symptoms (F(4, 149)= 10.81, p= <0.01). Significant differences were found in quality of life subscales scores among IBS-M, IBS-C, and IBS-D patients in the interference with activities (F(3, 178)= 5.83, p= 0.001), body image (F(3, 185)= 3.61, p= 0.014), and health worry subscales (F(3, 183)= 4.83, p= 0.003). Significant differences were also found in quality of life subscale scores among white, non-Hispanic; whites, Hispanic origin; and others (Native Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders, multi-racial, and Asian Indians) in the dysphoria (F(2, 181)= 3.86, p= 0.23), social reaction (F(2, 182)= 3.23, p= 0.42), and relationships subscales (F(2, 184)= 3.58, p= 0.030). Further research is needed to validate these associations.

Download

Share

COinS