Long-term Impact on Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Quality of Life and Nutritional Adequacy after Group Intervention in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder often associated with complex clinical manifestations. There is no cure for IBS, however potent management strategies have been proposed, including the FODMAP diet. Haukeland University Hospital provides group based IBS interventions. There is a need for critical evaluation of group-based management of IBS. Aim: To quality assess the long-term impact of the group based IBS intervention offered at Haukeland University Hospital through measurements of gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life and nutritional intake in IBS intervention participants. Methods: We measured gastro intestinal impact, quality of life and nutritional adequacy through the IBS Symptom Severity Score; Visceral Sensitivity Index; Short-form Nepean Dysepsia Index questionnaires and 3-day Food Diaries at baseline and 6 and 12 months after intervention in 20 IBS intervention participants. Results: We found a significant change in Visceral Sensitivity in one group (P=0.027), but we found no significant change in IBS symptom severity in neither of the groups. We found no significant change in quality of life, BMI, energy intake, fibre intake nor macronutrient distribution in neither of the groups. Conclusion: We cannot conclude that gastro intestinal impact, quality of life and nutritional adequacy will change after IBS intervention at Haukeland University Hospital. The study scope make generalisation difficult. Further assessment of IBS management is necessary.