Studying the effect of stigma on social isolation with the mediating role of self-esteem in patients with irritable bowel syndrome referred to Valiasr Educational and Therapeutic Center in Birjand in 2023.

Background and Aims: Due to the nature of the disease, patients with irritable bowel syndrome may experience many physical and psychological problems. These include social isolation and reduced self-esteem. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of stigma on social isolation with the mediating role of self-esteem in patients with irritable bowel syndrome referred to Valiasr Educational and Therapeutic Center in Birjand. Materials and Methods: The present study is a descriptive-analytical study that was conducted in a crosssectional manner. Sampling was done by convenience method and 310 patients with irritable bowel syndrome referred to Valiasr Educational and Therapeutic Center in Birjand who met the inclusion criteria were selected. Data collection tools included Jones et al.'s questionnaire for measuring stigma, Amir Chalabi and Kafi's social isolation questionnaire, and Rosenberg's self-esteem questionnaire. After collection, data were analyzed using analysis of variance, independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Result: The results of Pearson's correlation test showed that there was a negative and significant relationship between stigma and self-esteem. The lower the self-esteem of these individuals, the more stigmatized these patients are (r = -0.23, p<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, it seems that stigma has an effect on social isolation with the mediating role of self-esteem in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The self-esteem of these patients can be increased in various ways through regular counseling sessions and to reduce the effects of social isolation, the presence of therapy and social workers can be used.