Nursing research and practice
Cure8 research brief
Why This Matters
Self-esteem, body image, mental health, and sexual satisfaction are linked in women with IBD and can affect quality of life. Addressing these issues in routine care may improve overall wellbeing and adaptation to chronic illness.
Who Should Pay Attention
Adult patients with IBD (particularly women), clinicians caring for IBD patients (gastroenterologists, IBD nurses, psychologists), and health services planners designing holistic care pathways.
Study Snapshot
Story typeResearch paper
Evidence typeResearch paper
Source depthJournal abstract
What To Know
This was a cross-sectional, secondary exploratory analysis using an online survey of 64 Australian women with IBD collected March–November 2024. The findings show correlations between self-esteem, body-image satisfaction, mental health, and sexual well-being but do not establish causation.
Clinically, the paper argues for incorporating discussions about mental health, self-esteem, body image, and sexual well-being into routine IBD assessments and for multidisciplinary care teams (psychologists, sexual health nurses, body-image specialists) coordinated by nurses.
Because the sample is modest and women-only, the results are most applicable as preliminary evidence supporting more comprehensive, gender-sensitive psychosocial screening and services rather than definitive prevalence estimates or treatment recommendations.
Keep In Mind
Cross-sectional survey of 64 women; associations do not prove causation. Study population was Australian women only and relatively small, so findings should be viewed as exploratory and hypothesis-generating.
Source Details
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Research paper
Evidence type derived from source or registry metadata.
PublicationNursing research and practice
AuthorsO'Reilly K, Holroyd E, You W +1 more
Study typeJournal article
Indexed viaEurope PMC
Source typeResearch paper
PublishedSep 30, 2026, 12:00 AM
Content availableJournal abstract
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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