Abstract:

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effect of gastrointestinal symptoms on hopelessness and depression in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Material and Methods: An average of 3 patients were admitted to the gastroenterology polyclinic of the university hospital where they worked. The universe of the study included 314 patients who presented at the clinic between March, 1st 2017 and August, 5th 2017, while the sample consisted of 209 patients who were aged 18 and older, were diagnosed with IBS, had no barriers to communication, and agreed to participate in the study. Data was collected using the Patient Identification Form containing the socio-demographic characteristics, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Data was analyzed using percentiles, t-test, chi-square test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Results: Mean age of the patients was 40.69±14.0, while mean disease duration was 6.0±1.3 years. Mean GSRS score was 52.0±1.65, indicating moderate symptom severity. Mean BHS score was 8.0±3.1 and mean BDI score was 10.0±6.9, indicating mild hopelessness and depression. The abdominal pain, reflux, indigestion, and diarrhea subscale scores of the GSRS and the total GSRS score were not significantly correlated with the BHS and BDI scores (p<0.05); while the constipation subscale score of the GSRS had a positive and moderate correlation with the BHS score (p<0.0001; r=0.24). The constipation subscale score of the GSRS also had a positive and strong correlation with the BDI score (p<0.0001; r=0.41). Conclusion: Constipation was strongly and moderately correlated with depression and hopelessness. Patients with constipation, in particular, should be screened for depression and hopelessness.

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