Investigation of meal regularity and quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease

This study included 50 individuals aged 18-75 who were diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, had no communication difficulties, and were able to make their own food choices. The study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status, dietary habits, food consumption frequencies, and meal patterns of the patients and, based on these data, to determine their gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and depression status. The study commenced with ethical approval and was conducted with patients at the Gastroenterology Clinic of Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Hospital between August 2023 and September 2023. The research is cross-sectional. Data were collected using the General Information and Nutrition Behaviors Questionnaire, Food Frequency Questionnaire, 24-Hour Dietary Recall, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. It was found that 20.0% (n=4) of individuals with Ulcerative Colitis skipped meals, compared to 40.0% (n=12) of individuals with Crohn's Disease. It was identified that 82.0% (n=41) of patients had foods that exacerbated their symptoms, with the most common being legumes at 21.0% (n=25), milk at 14.3% (n=17), and raw vegetables at 10.9% (n=13). Conversely, 50.0% (n=25) of patients reported foods that alleviated their symptoms, with the most common being yogurt and cooked vegetables at 18.2% (n=12) and cooked meat at 7.6% (n=5). Analysis of patients' food consumption revealed insufficient intake levels of fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Meal pattern analysis showed that individuals who skipped meals had higher gastrointestinal symptom scores compared to those who consumed their meals regularly (p=0.020). It was determined that 14.0% (n=7) of participants were in the mild depression group and 8.0% (n=4) were in the moderate depression group, with a statistically significant negative relationship found between the total score on the Beck Depression Inventory and both the IBD quality of life and GIS symptom scores (p<0.001, p=0.044). Women had higher abdominal pain scores compared to men (p=0.049). In conclusion, it was found that nutritional status and meal patterns in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease affect their quality of life and GIS symptoms. Therefore, a balanced and regular nutrition plan is crucial in the management of the disease.