the effect of education for the patient's family on social isolation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome referred to Valiasr Educational-Therapeutic Centers, Birjand, 1403

Introduction:

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience numerous physical and psychological challenges due to the nature of the disease. These issues include the exacerbation of IBS symptoms and increased hospitalization rates. The present study aimed to determine the effect of family education on social isolation in IBS patients referred to Vali-e-Asr (AJ) Educational-Therapeutic Center in Birjand.
Methods:

This quasi-experimental study included 320 IBS patients referred to Vali-e-Asr (AJ) Educational-Therapeutic Center in Birjand in 2024 who met the inclusion criteria. Social isolation was assessed using the Amirchapeli Social Isolation Scale. Family members were selected via convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. After one month of intervention, social isolation scores were compared between the two groups and analyzed
Findings:

Independent t-test results showed no significant difference in the mean overall social isolation scores between the control and intervention groups before the intervention. Paired t-test results also indicated no significant difference in mean social isolation scores before and after the intervention (p ≤ 0.24). However, the emotional support component showed a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05). In this study, emotional support had the highest mean score (21.39 ± 2.36), while financial support had the lowest (7.07 ± 1.15), with both changes being statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05).
Discussion & Conclusion:

. It is recommended that nurses and social workers inform families about the adverse consequences of inadequate financial support and social isolation in these patients.