The Stressor Factors and Perceived Social Support in the Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

• Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized with chronic inflammation of mucosal surface of bowels. Genetic, immunologic, environmental and individual factors contribute disease have been identified in recent studies. This study was done to investigate the effect of stressors on the incidence or relapsing of this disease. • Methods: This was a case-control study on the patients with ulcerative colitis. In this study, 75 patients (45 patients with ulcerative colitis group and 30 control person) filled the questionnaire of cases of chronic stressor (Holmes and Track) and social support. We analyzed the data with t-test, Moncova, chi-square and covariance analysis tests using SPSS software. • Finding: 75 patients were studied in the study and control groups. According to the results, the relationship between social support and ulcerative colitis was not significant. In the other hand, results showed that the stress experienced in the past year in patients with ulcerative colitis compared with controls was significantly greater. • Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, high stress can exacerbate symptoms in the beginning or relapse of ulcerative colitis. Therefore, learning stress management techniques to patients with ulcerative colitis is recommended.

Keywords

• Ulserative colitis
• Stress
• Perceived social support