A DIET AND LIFESTYLE-FACTOR INTERVENTION PROGRAM TO IMPROVE NUTRITIONAL STATUS, SYMPTOMS, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND This study sought to evaluate the impact of an evidence-based diet and lifestyle-factor intervention program on nutrition status, symptoms and quality of life of patients with IBD. METHODS In this retrospective observational study, de-identified medical records from patients with a self-reported diagnosis of IBD were analyzed. All patients included in the study completed an intervention program consisting of 12 to 24 one-on-one counseling sessions with an IBD-focused registered dietitian in a group-practice setting. Measures collected at baseline and at the conclusion of the program were SIBDQ, MUST, patient-reported symptoms, bowel movement frequency and consistency, measures of stress, fatigue, sleep quality as well as risk of eating and feeding disorders (NIAS-9, EAT-26). RESULTS 67 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Patients with MUST scores >0 at baseline had significantly decreased MUST scores at the end of the program (p=0.004). IBD-related quality of life scores were significantly higher (mean improvement of 18.6 points) at the end of the program compared to baseline (p<0.001). 67 out of 67 patients (100%) reported fewer symptoms at the end of the program with the most improvements related to cramping (97.1%), nausea (94.4%), and fatigue (93.8%). 96.4% of patients experiencing >3 bowel movements per day (BMPD) at baseline decreased their BMPD by the end of the program with 75% experiencing ≤ 3 BMPD. Patients also significantly improved their sleep quality (p<0.001), fatigue level (p<0.001), and stress levels (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential of a nutrition and lifestyle-factor intervention program to improve IBD patient outcomes. Further study is needed to validate these outcomes alongside a comparable control population and in other patient populations such as those associated with a health plan or employer.