Enhancing self-management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: the role of autonomy support in health goal pursuit.

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that significantly affects patients' physical, mental, and social health, as well as their overall quality of life. Effective management of the disease demands self-management skills, enabling patients to navigate the daily challenges associated with IBD, such as unpredictable flare-ups, frequent hospitalization, severe symptoms, pain, and physical changes. This study examines the motivational aspects of self-management for patients with IBD and focuses on the role of autonomy and directive support from healthcare professionals in enhancing their self-concordance and self-efficacy. From November 2022 to February 2023, a cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted at the IBD Center of Internal Medicine Clinic in Szeged, Hungary. A total of 374 adult patients with IBD completed the paper-pencil questionnaire, of whom 241 patients (64.4%) had Crohn's disease, and 133 patients (35.6%) had ulcerative colitis. Based on the findings of the path analysis (χ2 (8) = 18.914, p = 0.01, comparative fit index = 0.935, TLI = 0.837, root mean squared error of approximation = 0.06), autonomy support positively predicted self-concordance (β = 0.48) and self-efficacy (β = 0.02), particularly during disease relapse. In addition, self-concordance and self-efficacy predicted more positive (βs = 0.28 and 0.35) and fewer negative emotional experiences (βs = -0.09 and -0.20). The model's associations varied between the relapse and remission groups, indicating distinct impacts on different states of the disease. Overall, autonomy support from healthcare professionals has been shown to enhance self-management in patients with IBD, particularly during disease relapse. Meanwhile, self-concordance and self-efficacy act as positive internal factors, thus reducing negative emotional experiences, especially during remission. In sum, this study underscores the need for further exploration of the motivational aspects of self-management and provides insights into developing interventions that promote the health behaviors of patients with IBD.