Boosting mental health and quality of life for people living with inflammatory bowel disease using a mobile app and online health coaching

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) experience anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life (QoL), even when in remission. Mobile health apps with online health coaching focusing on self-management could help reduce mental health burden and improve QoL. Methods In this real-world, patient-centered study, patients with IBD chose conventional management (CM) alone or with the intervention (INT), which included the use of a mobile health app with online coaching. Changes in anxiety, depression, and QoL were assessed after 12 weeks using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the 12-item Short-Form Scale. Physical activity, stress, sleep, and diet were secondary outcomes. Results Of 65 adult participants, 45 (14 with ulcerative colitis and 31 with Crohn’s disease) completed the study; 21 in the CM group and 24 in the INT group. In the INT compared to CM group from baseline to week 12, the risk of anxiety decreased (P = .002) and QoL improved (P <.001 and P = .007 for physical and mental health summary scores, respectively). Risk of depression decreased significantly in both groups, but not between groups (P = .28). Physical activity, stress, and sleep significantly improved within both groups, but changes were not significant between groups. The INT group increased intakes of vitamin C, folate, total fruit, and legumes by a greater magnitude than the CM group (P< .04). Conclusions Integrating a mobile app with online health coaching into IBD management is an effective strategy for improving mental health and QoL.