The Challenges and Resulting Impact of Crohn’s Disease on the Patients’ Family Members

<ns3:p>Crohn's disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the digestive system. Currently, gaps exist in the literature regarding challenges faced by family members of patients suffering from Crohn’s disease and methodologies used to understand these impacts. The overall aim of this inquiry is to contribute to knowledge in the field of Crohn’s disease, by examining the challenges faced by family members of individuals suffering from Crohn’s disease, and their experiences with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and support services for family members, to understand the impact that these experiences have on them. A narrative inquiry was conducted with two participants who have an immediate relative suffering from Crohn’s disease. Over one month, they participated in two semi-structured interviews and maintained a journal in between. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic narrative analysis. Six themes emerged regarding the impact of Crohn’s disease on family members: 1) financial impact; 2) impact on character; 3) family impact; 4) social impact; 5) emotional impact; and 6) religious impact. Additionally, two themes related to support services were identified: 1) social support; and 2) professional support. The narrative inquiry identifies how the journey of family members of individuals suffering from Crohn’s disease involves several challenges that affect them both positively and negatively. Through this narrative inquiry, the support, and sometimes the lack of, that is available to these family members is highlighted.</ns3:p>