Avoidance behaviour as a coping mechanism in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Introduction: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Somatization Symptoms Disorder (SSD) patients experience somatization symptoms that have a significant impact on their quality of life and their primary diagnoses as well. Coping strategies in these patients affect how they seek treatment and how they respond to different interventions. One of these coping strategies is “Avoidance behaviour”. The relationship between avoidance behaviour in relation to demographic and social variables in IBS patients’ needs to be better described. Methods: This study was performed at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad. Study participants aged 18 years and above who were seeking regular treatment in the respective units of Shifa International Hospital, were surveyed between March 1st , 2023, and January 14th , 2024. Purposeful sampling was done to recruit study participants. Participants were eligible to participate if they had a diagnosis of IBS, or SD. Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) was used to assess coping strategies in patients with IBS and SD. Results: There was a total of 88 patients; 67 with IBS and 21 with SSD. With increasing age, the avoidance behaviour decreased, with higher education levels avoidance behaviour also increased. Conclusion: Avoidance behaviour was observed as a significant interventional target in IBS patients. This is most evident in the younger age group and those with higher level of education.