Exploring the Relationship Between Self-Isolation and Distress Among People with Gastrointestinal Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Antonina Mikocka-WalusDavid SkvarcManuel Barreiro de AcostaFloor Bennebroek EvertszCharles N BernsteinJohan BurischNuno FerreiraRichard B GearryLesley A GraffSharon JedelAnna MokrowieckaAndreas StengelInês A TrindadeMiranda A L van TilburgSimon R KnowlesPublished in: Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings (2021)
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.