Reactions, Reality, and Resilience in Adults with Crohn's Disease: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) is a lifelong condition that poses unique challenges. This study reports findings from a person's perspective of living with CD to help enhance the understanding of an individual's specific care and support needs.

Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of adults with Crohn's disease recruited from Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Data were analyzed after data collection using thematic analysis.

Results: Forty-one (68% female) participants aged 49.1 ± 12 years with a disease duration between 1 and 55 years were interviewed. Three overarching themes emerged, along with 12 subthemes: (1) reactions to presenting symptoms, emotions, and challenges at diagnosis; (2) reality of living with the condition, seeking information, decision making, psychological challenges, experiencing symptoms/complications during remission and the impact on social life, education, employment, and relationships; (3) Resilience involving emotional adaptations, strategies on self-management, social comparisons as a means of coping and barriers to resilience.

Conclusions: The results highlight the complex health journey and challenges faced by people living with Crohn's disease and provide health care professionals with a greater insight into the psychological challenges and emotional complexities of the condition to facilitate a more holistic approach to planning care.