How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your IBS?
7th July 2020

People with IBS are being invited to take part in a study exploring the perceived impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on people living with a gastrointestinal condition such as IBS.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on how we all live our lives. Many day-to-day activities that we took for granted such as catching up with friends and family, going to work and the shops, has changed significantly. For those living with a gastrointestinal condition, the COVID-19 pandemic may also have impacted on the support they have been able to receive and the maintenance of their prescribed treatment plan.

The purpose of this study is to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on those living with a gastrointestinal condition. Specifically, this study will explore the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gastrointestinal symptoms, gastrointestinal condition management, fears relating to COVID-19, psychological distress, coping, and quality of life.

The study will also explore potential changes to condition management, fears relating to COVID-19, psychological distress, coping, and quality of life in six and 12 months after initially completing the baseline questionnaire.

The research will be carried out by an international collaboration of researchers, including The IBS Network medical adviser Dr Alex Ford, who work to understand the interrelationships between psychological and gastrointestinal wellbeing.

Your participation in this research will be a significant contribution to knowledge in this area and is an essential step towards identifying what challenges we face and how we may be able to minimise the impact of such a pandemic on individuals living with a gastrointestinal condition.

People with IBS from all countries are welcome to take part.

More information about the study and taking part is available here.