A qualitative exploration into the lived experiences of females with a gastrointestinal condition

Research typically addresses the experiences of those with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions using quantitative methods, even though qualitative exploration of lived experiences could provide valuable knowledge for health and policy stakeholders. The study explored the lived experiences of eight females with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) identified five themes: negative emotional experiences, coping with daily life, a barrier in daily life, lived experiences of remission and lack of awareness: better informing others of GI conditions. Themes suggested complex experiences of those living with IBS or IBD, with embarrassment, negatively affected romantic relationships, and a general lack of awareness of these conditions, ameliorated by forging the experience of positive aspects including strong social networks, remission as a period of relief, and finding adaptive coping strategies.