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International Journal of Colorectal Disease

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01-10-2014 | Original Article

Attachment and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Authors: Alessandro Agostini, Marco Moretti, Carlo Calabrese, Fernando Rizzello, Paolo Gionchetti, Mauro Ercolani, Massimo Campieri

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 10/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic disorders affecting psychological well-being, quality of life (QOL), social interactions, and close interpersonal relationships of patients affected. The attachment theory provides a theoretical framework to evaluate the quality of close interpersonal relationships in the context of chronic disorders. The aims of this study were to compare the attachment dimensions between IBD patients and healthy controls and to evaluate the impact of these dimensions on QOL in IBD patients.

Methods

One hundred three consecutive IBD outpatients (70 with Crohn’s disease and 33 with ulcerative colitis) were recruited in the IBD Unit of the University of Bologna. They were clinically evaluated and filled out the questionnaire Short Form health survey-36 (SF-36), assessing QOL, and the attachment style questionnaire (ASQ), assessing attachment dimensions. One hundred three matched healthy subjects filled out the same questionnaires and represented the control group.

Results

IBD patients exhibited worst scores in the QOL measures (both physical and mental health) and in the attachment dimensions Relationships as secondary and Preoccupation with relationships. In IBD, the significant predictors of physical health were disease activity and disease type, while the significant predictors of mental health were disease activity and type, surgery, and the attachment dimensions Confidence and Preoccupation with relationships.

Conclusions

Compared to controls, in IBD patients, the close interpersonal relationships are characterized by attachment insecurity that, in turn, is a significant predictor of QOL. These findings suggest plausible insights for psychological interventions in IBD patients with deterioration in QOL.

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Title: Attachment and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Alessandro Agostini
Marco Moretti
Carlo Calabrese
Fernando Rizzello
Paolo Gionchetti
Mauro Ercolani
Massimo Campieri
Publication date: 01-10-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 10/2014
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-014-1962-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Attachment and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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