The Lived Experience of Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Rural Areas: Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic gastrointestinal condition with a multifactorial etiology. It significantly impacts patients' quality of life, particularly, in rural areas where access to specialized care is limited. Challenges such as increased travel costs, social isolation, and restricted healthcare access are recognized, but their specific impact on rural Italian patients remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap. Using Cohen's hermeneutic phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 IBD patients from rural areas. Thematic analysis identified key patterns and themes. Two main themes emerged: "challenges of rural living," including economic concerns and social isolation, and "communication that bridges distances." Rural IBD patients face unique challenges extending beyond disease management, with economic hardship and social isolation being prominent. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to bridge healthcare gaps and improve the quality of life for rural patients, offering novel insights into their lived experiences in Italy.

Keywords: economic burden; inflammatory bowel disease; phenomenology; qualitative study; rural area; social isolation; telemedicine.