Patients' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Non-pharmacological Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Researchers surveyed 496 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) across five hospitals to understand what they know about non-drug treatments like acupuncture, dietary changes, and stress management, how they feel about these options, and whether they actually use them. The study found a significant gap between patients' positive attitudes toward these treatments and their actual use of them. While most IBS patients had favorable views about non-pharmacological approaches, many weren't putting them into practice. The key discovery was that knowledge directly influenced whether patients used these treatments, but having a positive attitude alone wasn't enough to change behavior. Patients who understood how specific treatments work and what steps to take were much more likely to actually try them. This suggests that simply telling IBS patients that acupuncture or other complementary therapies are good options isn't sufficient. Instead, patients need detailed, practical education about how these treatments address IBS symptoms, what to expect during treatment, and how to access services. For those considering acupuncture for IBS, this research highlights the importance of seeking detailed information about how acupuncture may help with specific symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel irregularity, rather than relying on general impressions. To benefit from acupuncture for IBS management, work with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in treating digestive disorders.

This cross-sectional study (n=496) conducted across five hospitals assessed IBS patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding non-pharmacological treatments using validated questionnaires including IBS-QOL and IBS-SSS. Median scores revealed moderate knowledge (28), attitudes (25.5), and practices (21). Correlation analysis showed significant positive associations between knowledge-attitude (r=0.195), knowledge-practice (r=0.364), and attitude-practice (r=0.151). Multivariate linear regression demonstrated knowledge (β=0.399, P<0.001) and attitude (β=0.219, P=0.022) positively predicted practice. Structural equation modeling revealed knowledge had significant direct effects on attitude (β=0.186, P=0.013) and practice (β=0.356, P=0.006), while attitude did not significantly mediate the knowledge-practice relationship. Clinical takeaway: Patient education interventions should prioritize actionable knowledge and practical skills over attitude modification alone, as knowledge directly drives treatment utilization in IBS management.