The Interplay of Coping Strategies and Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Background: This systematic review, grounded in coping theory, examines the relationship between coping strategies and quality of life (QoL) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. It synthesizes current findings and guides future research to address existing knowledge gaps.

Methods: A comprehensive search of Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science (from April 2000 to April 2024) identified 17 peer-reviewed studies.

Results: Coping strategies directly and indirectly influence the QoL of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Adaptive strategies, such as problem-solving and seeking social support, consistently improve QoL even in patients with active disease by promoting better disease management and emotional well-being. Maladaptive strategies, such as avoidance and emotional detachment, lead to decreased QoL and increased psychological distress. In addition, self-efficacy and psychological resilience play a key role in mediating the relationship between coping and QoL. However, coping strategies differ by disease stage and between demographic groups.

Conclusion: This study identifies significant gaps in research, such as limited multi-center and longitudinal studies, cross-cultural inconsistencies, and insufficient focus on specific populations. These gaps restrict understanding of the long-term effects of coping strategies. Future research should combine quantitative and qualitative methods to better capture patients' experiences, aiding the development of personalized interventions.