Livia Guadagnoli

Stigma perceptions in patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders

This study aims to evaluate the presence of perceived stigma in people diagnosed (self-reported) with an eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder and examine the relationship to the patients health-related quality of life and additional psychosocial patient-reported outcomes. One hundred forty-nine patients diagnosed for a minimum of 6 months participated in the study. Eligible participants completed questionnaires to assess perceived stigma, psychological functioning, and health-related quality of life. Perceived stigma was moderately associated with a decrease in total health-related quality of life and perceived treatment efficacy. Additionally, greater perceived stigma was positively correlated with an increase in anxiety, depression, and healthcare utilization. The study demonstrates the influence of perceived stigma on several aspects of health-related quality of life in patients with these illnesses. As such, it is important for health professionals to be aware of stigma in patients diagnosed with an eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder.

Validation of the oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale for chronic oesophageal disease

Oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety can drive symptom experience in chronic oesophageal conditions, including gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, achalasia and functional oesophageal disorders. To date, no validated self‐report measure exists to evaluate oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety.

Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Eosinophilic Gastritis and Gastroenteritis: A Qualitative Assessment

BackgroundEosinophilic gastritis (EG) and eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) are chronic immune-mediated conditions of the digestive tract, which affect the stomach only, or the stomach and small intestines, respectively. Though these disorders are uncommon, they are being increasingly recognized and diagnosed. While health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been evaluated in other eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, this study is the first to describe HRQOL impacts unique to EG/EGE.AimsThis study aims to qualitatively describe experiences of adults diagnosed with EG and EGE. We aim to identify impacts on HRQOL in this population in order to inform clinical care and assessment.MethodsSeven patients diagnosed with EG or EGE participated in semi-structured interviews assessing common domains of HRQOL.ResultsFour distinct themes emerged from qualitative analyses, which represent impacts to HRQOL: the psychological impact of the diagnosis, impact on social relationships, financial impact, and impact on the body. These generally improved over time and with effective treatment.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that patients with EG/EGE experience impacts to HRQOL, some of which differ from HRQOL of other eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases. These results support the development of a disease-specific measure, or adaptation of an existing measure, to assess HRQOL in EG/EGE.