Effectiveness Of A Nurse-Led Self-Management Interventions In Improving General Health Status Of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Inflammatory Bowel Disease, is more than just a gastrointestinal disorder; it is a significant health concern due to its chronic nature that impaired patient’s physical, mental, and social health dimensions. A nurse-led approach in IBD care may ensuring optimal nutrition, symptoms monitoring and providing support to minimizing complications.

Aim: Study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led self-management interventions in improving general health status of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods: A quasi-experimental , pre-posttest study was conducted for 80 patients (n=40) into intervention group and (n=40) into control group using purposive sampling in the specialized hospital for gastrointestinal and liver disease and surgery at Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf city during 2025–2026.Patients in the intervention group received a face to face comprehensive three sessions addressing education about the disease and discussion the concerns of the symptoms, nutritional management and medication adherence, sleep hygiene, stress management with application exercises and acceptance of the illness strategies. While the control group received only standard care. Post-test was conducted after 8 weeks from the last session.

Results: A significant improvement in mean all domains patients’ health status scores of intervention group (P < 0.0001), Whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group.

Conclusion: Nurse-led interventions enhanced patient’s awareness about self-management then improved their general health status. The importance of creating nurse-led self-management unit into GIT hospital focused on non-pharmacological techniques as a routine care is recommended to ensure optimum outcomes for those living with IBD.