P410 Could the disease become ‘a friend’? The mediating role of illness acceptance on self-efficacy and quality of life of gastroenterological patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are chronic conditions characterised by severe intestinal symptoms and other general symptoms, which impede daily functioning and affect the quality of life of patients. Understanding the significance of psychological factors in the disease development and therapy can improve the satisfaction with life of gastroenterological patients. The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of accepting the disease on the relation between an important personal resource, which is one’s self-efficacy and both satisfaction with life and components of the quality of life. Methods The study group consisted of 104 patients (N = 104), 58 women and 46 men suffering from IBS (35), UC (33) or CD (36). The average age equalled 32.56 years (SD = 11.04). The average duration of the disease was 8.5 years (SD = 6.9). The following research methods were used: the Generalised Self Efficacy Scale GSES (Schwarzer, Jerusalem, Juczynski), the Acceptance of Illness Scale AIS (Felton, Revenson, Hinrichsen, Polish adapt. by Juczynski), the Quality of Life SF-36v2 Questionnaire—the Polish version, the Satisfaction with Life Scale SWLS (Diener, Emmons, Larson, Griffin, Polish adapt. by Juczynski) and the author’s own questionnaire to collect the demographic data. Results The data were analysed using the independent sample t-test, chi-square test, Pearson correlation, regression analysis and mediation analysis. The study did not prove that the disease diagnosis (IBS, UC or CD) differed the level of satisfaction with life or the level of quality of life. Participants with IBS demonstrated a higher level of illness acceptance in comparison to IBD patients (p = 0.028). A strong positive correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between generalised self-efficacy and satisfaction with life—SWL (r = 0.37) and components of quality of life: lower perceived bodily pain—BP (r = 0.20), social role functioning—SF (r = 0.29) and mental health—MH (r = 0.35). Results pointed out that acceptance of illness mediated the relationship between generalised self-efficacy and SWL, BP, SF, and MH (β = 0.38 95% CI: 0.16–0.59; β = 0.25 95% CI: 0.004–0.73; β = 1.23 95% CI: 0.20–2.25; β = 1.18 95% CI: 0.46–1.90). Conclusion Psychological factor as acceptance of illness can be considered to be a resource which helps to cope with challenges posed by gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, it is so significant to increase its level by applying psychotherapeutic methods tailored to the age and the needs of a patient.