Explaining Structural Modeling of the Quality of Life based on illness perception, with the mediating role of coping strategies in the Patients of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In the present study, we aimed to explain the model of quality of life based on illness perception and coping strategies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The research method was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of the study consisted of all patients with IBS in Kashan. For this purpose, 250 patients were selected via the available sampling method. In order to collect data, Patrick, Drossman et al Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBS-QOL-34)(1998), Endler, Parker Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS)(1990), and Broadbent, Petrie, Main, Weinman illness perception (2006) were used to analyze the data. Explanatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used.

The results (using Amos software) showed that structural equation modeling indexes fit the research data with the theoretical foundation of the study. Models illness perception and coping strategies with quality of life in patients with IBS, directly and indirectly, demonstrated good fitness. In total, structural models (predictor and mediated models) of illness perception and coping strategies explained 28/37 of the variances of quality of life in patients with IBS.

The results of the structural model showed that there was a significant relationship between illness perception and quality of life with the mediating role of coping strategies.