ArticleBJGP open2020
Online forum users' views and experiences of managing irritable bowel syndrome: a qualitative analysis of discussion content.
Article in BJGP open, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed, 19 citations in OpenAlex.
- Evaluating the Quality and Reliability of YouTube Videos Providing Nutritional Recommendations for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.Journal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association · 2025Article
- Dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome: considerations, challenges, and solutions.The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2024Review
- Online Ethnography for People With Chronic Conditions: Scoping Review.Journal of medical Internet research · 2022Article
- Analysis of the dental care queries in the "Mouth-Nose" discussion forum of the French association of patients with Gougerot-Sjögren's syndromes and dryness.BMC oral health · 2022Observational
- Development and validation of audio-based guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation tools for functional bloating.PloS one · 2022Article
- Patient Perspectives on the Appropriate Use of Prescribed Opioids in Chronic Non-Malignant Pain: Analysis of Online Forums Using Theoretical Domains Framework.Journal of pain research · 2022Article
- Patient preferences of healthcare delivery in irritable bowel syndrome: a focus group study.BMC gastroenterology · 2021Article
- Analysis of the Evolution of User Emotion and Opinion Leaders' Information Dissemination Behavior in the Knowledge Q&A Community during COVID-19.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2021Article
- Response: Commentary: Consumer Reports of "Keto Flu" Associated With the Ketogenic Diet.Frontiers in nutrition · 2020Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common and often negatively affects quality of life. Patients frequently perceive medical interventions as inadequate and seek support from other sources, including online discussion forums.
aimTo explore online discussion forum topics posted by people with IBS. DESIGN &
settingA qualitative study exploring three UK-based online discussion forums.
methodA scoping review identified UK-based discussion forums with high activity and frequent use, which did not require a password/registration to view posts (two IBS-specific and one general health forum). Internal search functions were used to identify and export relevant discussion threads relating to managing IBS. Inductive thematic analysis of exported discussions was undertaken.
resultsAnalysis identified two main overarching themes from 122 relevant discussion threads: 1) sharing information and practical advice about lifestyle changes; and 2) receiving emotional support. The most prevalent topics were lifestyle changes, including diet, using oral preparations (for example, supplements or probiotics), and physical activity. Dietary changes were usually considered positive, and most hopeful for potentially alleviating symptoms. Emotional support was also regularly offered with expressions of empathy, kindness, and gratitude, and a sense of users feeling less alone. Some discussions raised concern around potentially inappropriate symptomatic reassurance, and negative or conflicting advice.
conclusionOnline forums seem, generally, to be a positive experience for those posting, but include potential risks of misinformation. Most posts focus on symptomatic relief through lifestyle change and/or emotional support. Clinicians could gain a better understanding of patients' ideas, concerns, and expectations of IBS diagnosis and management by asking about patient-acquired online forum information.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.