Effect of combined continuity care guided by Orem's self-care model and low FODMAP diet on gut microbiota composition and symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

The low FODMAP care group showed significant reductions in IBS symptom severity compared to the conventional treatment group after six weeks.

• 196 IBS patients were divided into conventional treatment (n=84) and low FODMAP care (n=112) groups in a retrospective cohort study.
• The intervention spanned six weeks, integrating Orem's Self-Care Model to enhance dietary adherence.
• Abdominal pain severity was significantly reduced (P=0.01) and pain frequency was also reduced (P=0.002).
• Bloating improved significantly (P=0.006) and bowel movement satisfaction was greater in the low FODMAP group (P=0.003).
• Outcomes were assessed using the IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS).

Gut microbiota composition was significantly altered in the low FODMAP care group following the intervention.

• Gut microbiota was analyzed via qPCR.
• Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus levels increased in the low FODMAP group (P<0.001).
• Enterococcus levels decreased in the low FODMAP group (P<0.001).
• Baseline characteristics between the two groups showed no significant differences, supporting comparability.

Quality of life as measured by SF-36 improved significantly in multiple domains in the low FODMAP care group.

• Physical functioning domain of SF-36 showed significant improvement (P<0.001).
• Role physical domain improved significantly (P=0.002).
• Mental health domain also showed significant improvement (P=0.005).

IBS-specific quality of life (IBS-QOL) scores improved markedly in the low FODMAP care group across several subdomains.

• Dysphoria subdomain of IBS-QOL improved significantly (P=0.003).
• Worry about symptoms subdomain showed significant improvement (P=0.001).
• Food avoidance subdomain improved significantly (P=0.004).

IBS affects 10%-15% of the global population and is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits.

• IBS is described as a common functional gastrointestinal disorder.
• A low FODMAP (fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides and polyols) diet has shown promise in managing IBS symptoms.
• This background context motivated the study of combining the low FODMAP diet with continuity care guided by Orem's Self-Care Model.