Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to have poor mental health. The origin of this risk is unknown, however it may be connected to the condition, therapy, and/or experience with these. The researchers aimed to explain the difficulties that children with IBD and their families encounter as a result of living with a chronic disease and receiving recurrent intravenous infusions, as well as to uncover coping methods in order to better understand how medical systems might encourage resilience. Semi Structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 patient-guardian dyads at a tertiary outpatient infusion facility to investigate feelings about IBD, the infusion process, and coping. ATLAS.ti was used to record, transcribe, and analyse the interviews. Two coders selected topics, created a codebook, used the constant comparative technique to code transcripts, and characterised themes/patterns. Participants indicated IBD-specific problems as well as a subgroup of challenges relating to the infusion process. Participants coped with social support, cognitive and/or behavioural techniques for emotion management, and trust in medical treatment. Participants learnt to embrace IBD, adjust to the “new normal,” and gain life lessons and resilience by using these coping techniques.
Clinical teams may give anticipatory assistance to reduce fear of the unknown and discover cognitive-behavioral techniques for controlling emotions to aid coping. Delivery systems that foster connections, preserve routine, and take into account the requirements of the family may help with coping even more.
