Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center Siblings and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Principal Investigator:
Debra Lobato, PhD
Funding Source:
Internal
Description:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to two related, but distinct, chronic inflammatory bowel disorders, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Both disorders are characterized by recurrent exacerbations and remissions of intestinal symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain) and/or extraintestinal manifestations (e.g., fever, hepatitis, growth retardation). Both conditions generally require a regimen of multiple, daily medications in order to achieve and maintain remission. IBD management occurs within the context of the family and siblings are an important part of family life. However, siblings’ experiences of IBD have not been studied. This study aims to understand the effect of IBD on healthy siblings and to explore how siblings are involved in IBD care. This study will examine 1) how IBD affects healthy sibling psychological functioning and 2) how sibling knowledge of IBD, sibling psychological functioning, and aspects of the sibling relationship (e.g., closeness, conflict, birth order) are associated with disease severity, adherence, and quality of life of the child with IBD.
Significance:
IBD is one of fastest growing chronic illnesses of childhood. This study will provide information regarding how all members of the family are involved and affected by a child’s IBD and will lead to the development of more integrated family-based interventions.
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