Quality of life in patients with gastroenterological disorders

Information for nursing staff, 2025, 57(3), 55-59.

A. Rasheva, Di. Miteva, D. Ivanova

Nursing Care, Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Sofia University “Sveti Kliment Ohridski” – Sofia

Abstract. Introduction: Gastrointestinal diseases affect quality of life in two main ways: first, through physical symptoms that cause pain and discomfort, and second, through psycho-emotional affects, such as stress and depression. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of gastroenterological diseases on the quality of life of patients, focusing on various aspects of the physical and psycho-emotional state. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the gastroenterology department of SofiaMed University Hospital from February to June 2024. The participants included 30 patients, aged between 35 and 83 years, diagnosed with gastrointestinal disorders, excluding oncological diseases. A survey that contained questions regarding the health status of the subjects, their perception of the symptoms and the impact on physical activity and mental state, was used. Results: The survey showed that 76.7% of the respondents experienced sleep problems, with the most common complaint being “frequent nighttime awakening” (33.4%), followed by “difficulty falling asleep” (26.7%). Frequent nighttime awakening can be the result of a variety of physiological and external factors, including stress and anxiety. 60% reported experiencing depressive symptoms sometimes (33%) or constantly (27%). For people with depression, pain may be perceived as more intense, and reducing physical activity to avoid pain may worsen depression. Conclusion: Gastroenterological diseases have a significant and multifaceted impact on the quality of life of patients. The studied individuals often experience physical discomfort, which is associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and heartburn, which interfere with normal eating and sleep.

Key words: quality of life, gastroenterological diseases, depression, pain, sleep

Address for correspondence: Ani Rasheva, е-mail: anirasheva@abv.bg