Exploring the Relationship Between Self-Isolation and Distress Among People with Gastrointestinal Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

Journal J Clin Psychol Med Settings

Publisher Springer

Specialty Psychology

Date 2021 Sep 8

PMID 34494184

Citations 5

Authors

Antonina Mikocka-Walus

David Skvarc

Manuel Barreiro de Acosta

Floor Bennebroek Evertsz

Charles N Bernstein

Johan Burisch

Nuno Ferreira

Richard B Gearry

Lesley A Graff

Sharon Jedel

Anna Mokrowiecka

Andreas Stengel

Ines A Trindade

Miranda A L van Tilburg

Simon R Knowles

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the association between perceived isolation and symptoms of distress in people with GI disorders at the time of the pandemic; and to examine factors which moderate this relationship. This online cross-sectional survey was advertised in May-September 2020 via patient organisations and associated social media. Overall, 831 people (82% female, mean age 49 years) from 27 countries participated. A significant relationship between social isolation and psychological distress was noted (r = .525, p < .001). GI symptoms moderated the association between isolation and distress (B = .047, t = 2.47, p = .015). Interventions targeting these factors may help to reduce distress in people with GI disorders at the time of major stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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