Our+research+study

=Promoting Well-being in Women with Crohn’s Disease and = =Ulcerative Colitis living in the Community. = =Natalie Petrucci, COTA/L, OTS & Bethany Pratt, COTA/L, OTS = =New England Institute of Technology = Back to home page

**__Subject Objective:__** The purpose of the study is to distribute an evidence-based quality of life survey to participants who will help to determine what areas are affected by Crohn’s disease/ulcerative colitis. Using this data, the skills of Occupational Therapy practitioners will be used to address these areas of need by creating a website accessible to women.


 * __Target audience__**: They are women who are at least 18 years of age, and who are currently experiencing active symptoms, or who have experienced active symptoms at least once during their diagnosis. Each woman must have a medical diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and/or ulcerative colitis from a gastrointestinal doctor. Women with a diagnosis of less than a year and a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) will not be included in this project.


 * __Participant Recruitment__**: The SF-36 survey was distributed to a convenient sample of women attending a Crohn’s disease support group at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Researchers attended the monthly meetings on November 2 and December 7 from 6:00-7:30, and distributed the survey. They were available to answer questions about the survey. After the December meeting data was complied and analyzed to determine the top three areas of occupational performance impacted by Crohn’s/colitis.


 * __Data Collection__**: The Short Form 36 (SF-36) is a highly standardized questionnaire that measures physical and mental aspects of quality of life. Areas of physical health include physical function, role limitation, pain, and health perception. Areas of mental health consist of role limitation, vitality, and social function. For more information on the SF-36

All participants were meant to remain anonymous and were provided a summary of the overall purpose and assurance of confidentiality. The plan was for each survey to be numbered before they were disbursed, and then the group leader was to be in charge of recording names and numbers without the researchers’ knowledge. However, due to unforeseen circumstances surveys were given directly to the researchers without numbers. Researchers then recorded the names and numbers on a separate data sheet.


 * __Summary of Findings__**

According to the 11 demographic surveys the following information was obtained.


 * __Results:__** Our target population is primarily between the ages of 51 to 75 years old with a diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis and working full time. The top 4 areas of greatest concern for these 11 women are


 * Vitality: a decrease in overall energy level, and an increase in fatigue
 * Change in physical role: a decrease in amount and difficulty in completing activities of daily living
 * Bodily pain: intensity and inference in activities of daily living
 * General health: their perception of their overall health and susceptibility compared to others