Abstract Background Patient diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) experience distressing psychological symptoms and a diminished quality of life (QOL). The efficacy and feasibility of online mindfulness intervention for patients with IBD is unknown.We conducted a mobile-delivered mindfulness intervention among IBD patients to study its feasibility and efficacy in lowering their anxiety or depression level and improving their QOL. Methods We utilized individuals diagnosed with IBD to investigate the correlation between the severity of depression/anxiety and their QOL. The severity of anxiety and depression symptoms was evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively. QOL was assessed using the Short Health Scale (SHS). The relationship was analyzed through regression analysis. Additionally, a randomized parallel design was employed to conduct the Online MINdfulness-based stress reduction with Daily EXercise (MINDEX) program, and its effects on QOL and psychological symptoms were studied over a period of 2 months. Results A total of 521 participants initiated the survey and 484 completed and submitted the survey. More than 80% of the patients experienced severe symptoms of anxiety or depression, as indicated by GAD-7 scores ≥ 10 or PHQ-9 scores ≥ 10. The study found that increases in GAD-7 total scores were significantly associated with increases in SHS total scores, with an R2 value of 0.43 and coefficient of 12.6 (95% CI 9.4-15.7) for UC (Ulcerative Colitis) and R2 value of 0.27 and a coefficient of 10.4 (95% CI 8.8-12.1) for CD (Crohn’s Disease). Similarly, increases in PHQ-9 scores also showed significant correlations with increases in SHS total scores, with an R2 value of 0.37 and a coefficient of 9.2 (95% CI 6.5-11.8) for UC and R2 value of 0.22 and a coefficient of 7.2 (95% CI 5.9-8.6) for CD. However, when depression severity was considered, the significant differences between SHS and PHQ-9 scores disappeared in both UC and CD. Yet, the positive correlation between GAD-7 and SHS scores remained significant in UC. Regarding the MINDEX program, the study included 30 MINDEX patients and 22 control patients who completed the program. After 2 months, the scores of GAD-7, PHQ-9, SHS between MINDEX patients and 22 control patients were not statistically significant (.052 < P < .908). Conclusion IBD significantly influenced patients’ anxiety, depression, QOL, and sleep quality. Online mindfulness interventions did not show a significant reduction in anxiety or depression. When formulating personalized treatment plans, it is crucial to take into account the patient’s overall condition to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance the patient’s QOL.
Read full abstract