Abstract
Abstract Background Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is associated with a diminished quality of life. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of fatigue management programmes that use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychotherapies. CBT is often face-to-face and individually time consuming, and there are personnel challenges in its implementation in real-world clinical settings. This study aimed to understand the needs of Japanese patients with IBD regarding fatigue management and explore the characteristics of those willing to use CBT applications (apps). Methods This study involved secondary analysis of data from 488 patients treated at a specialised IBD clinic in Japan. Patient characteristics, such as sex, age, disease duration, interest in CBT programmes, and interest in CBT apps for fatigue management (each assessed on a 7-point ordinal scale from 0 for not interested to 6 for very interested), and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F) scale score were included in the survey. Data on blood parameters and disease activity, as determined by Crohn’s activity index and the partial Mayo score, were obtained from medical records. Results Among the participants, 85% were in clinical remission, 58% had Crohn’s disease (CD), and 66% were male. Forty-five percent of the patients were affected by moderate or high levels of fatigue (FACIT-F score > 40). The mean score for interest in the CBT programme was 3.3 ± 1.9, with 69% expressing moderate or greater interest (scores ≥ 3). Interest in the CBT app averaged 2.5 ± 1.9, with 50% expressing a moderate level of interested or higher. Interest in the CBT programme was significantly higher among females and those with greater levels of fatigue (lower FACIT-F scores) or lower levels of emotional well-being. Significant factors associated with higher interest in the CBT app included female sex and greater levels of fatigue. Conclusion Interest in CBT for fatigue management among patients with IBD was moderate, with higher levels of interest observed in patients experiencing greater levels of fatigue, particularly among females. CBT apps offer a promising alternative for addressing fatigue, potentially enhancing accessibility and convenience in clinical settings. Future strategies incorporating CBT apps may help meet the needs of those with limited access to in-person therapies.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call