Experiences of dietary guidance among patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) increases rapidly worldwide. Dietary guidance is an important pillar in the follow-up of patients with IBD. To provide patients with efficient dietary guidance, we need more knowledge about how they experience dietary guidance. This aim of this study is to explore how patients with IBD experience dietary guidance provided by different health professionals.

Methods: Semi‐structured, individual interviews were conducted with 10 patients (1 male, 9 females) with IBD in the area of Oslo, Norway from October 2020 to December 2020. Participants were diagnosed with IBD for at least 6 months. The analysis of the interviews was guided by thematic analysis.

Results: In general, patients expressed a need for more dietary guidance. Participants met various health professionals during their follow-up, such as general practitioners, gastrologists and, sometimes, clinical dietitians. Some patients strived to receive follow-up by a clinical dietitian. They often experienced that health professionals had little knowledge and motivation to provide them with dietary guidance related to IBD. They often felt left alone and self-responsible to find dietary guidance in other informational sources or tried different diets on their own.

Conclusions: This study indicated that patients with IBD need more dietary guidance from health professionals. Based on the participants’ responses health professionals meeting patients with IBD should get more motivated and get more knowledge to provide dietary guidance related to IBD.