Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects a course of instruction about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might have on symptoms, psychological well-being, and medical care requirements in these patients.
Methods: Twenty-nine women with IBS participated in a programme of instruction on medical care, physical activity, stress-management, diet and health insurance. The women completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Psychological General Well-Being Index and provided information about their requirements of medical care before and after the course.
Results: Twenty-three of the women included, completed the questionnaires at 12 months after the course. When comparing these values to those at baseline, there were improvements in abdominal pain (p < 0.037) and vitality (p < 0.045) as well as a reduction in the number of visits to physicians (p < 0.037) and dieticians (p < 0.042).
Conclusion: Information related to the disease, might help women with IBS to perceive less pain and more vitality and thereby experience a higher quality of life.
Practice implications: A course of instruction for patients with IBS may be of benefit for the patients, and could be a part of a multicomponent approach in the treatment of this patient group.