Experience of diet in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies

Huan Xiong; Xu Zhang; Huiling Zeng; Shanshan Xie; Shuanglian Yi

doi:10.1111/jocn.17186

Experience of diet in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies

J Clin Nurs. 2024 Apr 25. doi: 10.1111/jocn.17186. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Huan Xiong^{1

2

3}, Xu Zhang^{1

2

3}, Huiling Zeng¹, Shanshan Xie^{1

2

3}, Shuanglian Yi^{1

2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Gastroenterology, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, P.R. China.
² Clinical Research Center for Gut Microbiota and Digestive Diseases of Fujian Province, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Intestinal Microbiome and Human Health, Xiamen, Fujian Province, P.R. China.
³ Department of Digestive Disease, Institute for Microbial Ecology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, P.R. China.

PMID: 38661241
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17186

Abstract

Aim: To synthesise the dietary expesriences of patients with inflammatory bowel disease by reviewing relevant qualitative studies.

Background: Diet plays a crucial role in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is no specific diet that can be recommended for all patients. We conducted a synthesis of qualitative studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dietary management experience of patients with IBD, aiming to provide better dietary guidance in the future.

Design: A qualitative synthesis was conducted following the Thomas and Harden method and reported following the ENTREQ statement.

Methods: Qualitative studies were systematically searched in five electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. There was no time limit for publication, and all database searches were up to 10 May, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was utilised to appraise the quality of the included studies. Data for inclusion in articles were extracted and analysed using a thematic synthesis method.

Results: Six studies involving 119 patients were eventually included. The studies were conducted in six different countries. Four major themes were identified: the diet of patients with IBD is completely different from the normal one; manage symptoms and live with the disease by modifying diet; psychological adjustment to eating (be frustrated; worried and afraid; feel ashamed; growth and resilience); barriers and challenges (barriers from perceived social support; conflicts between diet and nutrition; challenges from food hedonism and cravings).

Conclusions: Patients with IBD highlighted the distinction between their diet and the normal diet. Dietary modifications were used as a way to manage symptoms and live with the disease. In addition to physical symptoms, patients experienced diet-related psychological changes. Dietary modifications in patients with IBD encounters difficulties and challenges, necessitating prompt guidance and intervention. (1) The implementation of dietary modifications in patients with IBD encounters numerous obstacles and complexities, necessitating prompt guidance and intervention.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.

Registration: The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023391545).

Keywords: diet; experience; inflammatory bowel disease; qualitative study; thematic synthesis.

Publication types

Review