Take part in irritable bowel syndrome research!
We invite adult women to participate in scientific research titled: “Functioning of women with irritable bowel syndrome; psychophysiological and nutritional aspects.” The research is carried out by the Eating Behaviour Research Laboratory (EAT Lab) team at the Institute of Psychology of the University of Wrocław. This research project received permission from the Committee for the Ethics of Scientific Research at the UWr Institute of Psychology. (permission number: 2023/ACDRT).
We invite you to participate in the research if you are an adult woman who:
- experiences irritable bowel syndrome and/or
- regularly (often due to stress), experience abdominal pain related to defecation, changes in the rhythm of bowel movements, or changes in stool consistency.
The participants will receive a thank-you gift in the form of a voucher for examination with a body composition analyzer (approximately equivalent to PLN 200).
- What is the aim of the research?
The aim of the research is the evaluation of psychophysiological functioning and nutritional behaviors in a group of adult women experiencing recurring abdominal pain related to defecation, with emphasis on irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Who do we invite to participate in the research?
We invite adult women (at least 18 years old; no pregnancy; no lactation; pre-menopause) who were diagnosed* with irritable bowel syndrome or regularly (often due to stress), experience abdominal pain related to defecation, changes in the rhythm of bowel movements, or changes in stool consistency.
*Women who experience the symptoms mentioned above but have not yet been diagnosed are also welcome to participate. In this case, it should be taken into account that this is scientific research, and the acquired data will be analyzed anonymously and collectively. This means that participation in the research is not a form of diagnosis, and any disturbing symptoms should individually be consulted with a doctor.
3. Who does not qualify to participate in the research?
You are not qualified to participate in the research if you:
- Are under the age of 18.
- Are not female.
- Suffer from color blindness.
- Suffer from chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, or nervous system.
- Have suffered or are currently suffering from cancer.
- Are currently struggling with severe mental disorders.
- Are diagnosed with digestive system diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, coeliac disease, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, and colon cancer.
4. How do you take part in the research?
To participate in the research, you only need to click the following link to the application form, complete it, and submit it. Filling out this form should take approximately 20-30 minutes. You will also be asked to provide an e-mail address, which will be used to schedule an individual meeting. After receiving the application, we will contact each woman within a week to discuss their research participation further.
5. How will the research participation be structured?
The participation in research consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Filling out the application form (it should take approximately 20-30 minutes)
Stage 2: Participation in one individual meeting at the Institute of Psychology of the University of Wrocław (the meeting may last around 2 to 2.5 hours). The meeting will involve physiological and questionnaire assessments and cognitive and breathing exercises. At the end of the meeting, we will explain how to conduct nutritional self-observations and keep a food diary.
Stage 3: Assessment with the food diary (to be filled out electronically for five consecutive days after the meeting). After the third stage is concluded – as a thank-you gift for your participation and time – we will send you a voucher for examination with a body composition analyzer (approximately equivalent to PLN 200) via e-mail.
6. What are the benefits of participating in the research?
As a thank-you gift for participating, you will receive a voucher for examination with a body composition analyzer, which costs around PLN 200. The voucher will be valid for half a year. To redeem the voucher, you must make an appointment with the project manager (mgr Magdalena Mróz) at the Institute of Psychology of the University of Wrocław. The meeting may last around 15 to 20 minutes. After the examination, you will receive a print with the results (in paper and PDF format)
7. What other benefits will my participation in the research bring?
The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that results from deregulation of gut-brain communication. It indicates the complex foundation of the disorder’s development, which requires personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. IBS disorder causes physical and psychological pain, as well as significantly decreases the quality of life. Our research takes an interdisciplinary approach as it is recommended to consider physiological, psychosocial, and nutritional factors when planning IBS treatment and assistance. In the current research, we focus on assessing psychophysiological and nutritional factors.
We assume that assessing psychophysiological factors will lead to a better understanding of mechanisms causing suffering and difficulties associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, simultaneous assessment of the type of diet and eating habits will allow us to understand better the relationship between nutritional behaviors and the experienced pain and other symptoms of IBS. Results from the research will allow for the formulation of more detailed preventive and therapeutic programs in the field of IBS therapy in aspects of psychological and nutritional influences.
The research results will be analyzed anonymously and collectively. A scientific article will be developed on their basis. Additionally, based on the collected data (and current knowledge in psychology, neurobiology, and nutrition), popular science and psychoeducation materials will be developed to discuss issues related to irritable bowel syndrome’s physical and psychological symptoms. These materials will be available for everyone. The participants will be informed via e-mail when the materials are available.
8. I am observing disturbing symptoms; where can I seek help?
All disturbing health symptoms should be consulted with a primary care physician. If the symptoms are related to the digestive system, you can seek help from a gastroenterologist at clinics or hospitals. An appointment with a gastroenterologist under the NFZ (National Health Fund) requires a referral from a primary care physician.
You should consult a psychologist or psychiatrist if the symptoms concern the psychological sphere (e.g., emotional). An appointment with a psychiatrist does not require a referral from a primary care physician.
9. I have a question about the research: who should I contact?
All questions related to the project or participation in the research should be sent to ibs.badania@gmail.com. Your questions will be answered by mgr Magdalena Mróz (project manager).
10. Direct link to the application form
Translated by Wiktoria Kujawska (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) as part of the translation practice.
