Effect of Learning Package on Knowledge, Symptoms Severity and Quality of Life for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic gastrointestinal condition, significantly impacts patients' quality of life, leading to severe symptoms and frequent hospitalizations. Patient education plays a crucial role in managing the disease, as improved overall well-being. Aim: Evaluate the effect of learning package on knowledge, symptoms severity and quality of life for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Research design: A quasi-experimental research design (pre-posttest). Subjects and setting: 33 patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease were recruited from Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology department at Aswan University Hospital within 6 months. Tools: (I): Patient's assessment Questionnaire which contained Demographic, Medical history and Knowledge Assessment sheet, (II): Symptom Severity Scale: (Modified Harvey Bradshaw Index Assessment Scale (CD) and Partial Mayo scoring index assessment scale) and (III): Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). Results: post-intervention of the learning package, patients' knowledge level increasing from 57.6% to 84.8% (0.028), a statistically significant improvement in the ulcerative colitis activity scoring index and reduced symptom severity (0.001), the overall quality of life also saw a marked improvement, as evidenced by an increase from 63.6% to 90.9% (0.017). Furthermore, significant correlations were found between knowledge and quality of life as well as between quality of life and symptom severity (0.004). Conclusion: The application of the educational package had a significant positive effect on improving knowledge, reducing symptom severity, and enhancing quality of life. Recommendation: The integration of comprehensive educational programs for those patients should be prioritized to improve self-management, and enhance overall patient outcomes.