A comparison of Swedish IBS patients and general practitioners regarding viewpoints on IBS: a Q-methodology study

Abstract

Objectives

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal condition. A respectful patient-doctor relationship with good communication is crucial for optimal treatment. Q-methodology is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods used to study subjectivity. The aim of this study was to compare viewpoints on IBS between patients with IBS and general practitioners (GPs).

Methods

We conducted a Q-methodology study by including 30 patients and 30 GPs. All participants were asked to complete Q- sorting of 66 statements on IBS using an online software program. Data were processed using factor analysis. In addition, 3 patients and 3 GPs were interviewed.

Results

Three factors were extracted from both groups: Patient Factor 1 ‘Question the diagnosis of IBS’, Patient Factor 2 ‘Lifestyle changes for a physical disorder’, Patient Factor 3 ‘Importance of a diagnosis’, GP Factor 1 ‘Unknown causes of great suffering’, GP Factor 2 ‘Lifestyle changes are important, stress makes IBS worse’, GP Factor 3 ‘Recognized the way IBS affects patients’. There was a strong and statistically significant correlation between patient Factor 1 and GP Factor 1, with a Pearson’s r of 0.81 (p < 0.001). Correlations between other factors varied.

Conclusions

There was consensus between patients and GPs that IBS is a physical and not a psychiatric disorder of unknown etiology. They also seemed to agree that IBS has a great negative impact on patients’ lives and that lifestyle changes are beneficial. There were conflicting opinions regarding gender, cultural factors and the use of antidepressants.

Keywords:

• q-methodology
• factor analysis
• irritable bowel syndrome
• qualitative research
• primary care
• general practitioner

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Data availability statement

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The study was financed by grants from the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF-agreement (OLL-980043). Funding was also granted by Forskningskommittén, Region Örebro County.