Mousa Al-Mayahi’s scientific contributions

Background: It still not known exactly what triggers IBS, but it appears that stressors like life events and chronic stressors, as well as the individual's genetic background, can influence intestinal disease activity via complex psycho-immunologic mechanisms that act on both the systemic and mucosal levels of the digestive tract. Objective(s): The aim of this study is to find out the effect of coping strategies on severity of symptoms in IBS patients. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive, cross-sectional study used assessment approach with questionnaire items is conducted for the period from 7 November 2021 to 30 May 2022. A convenient sample of (N=150) patients is selected throughout the use of non-probability sampling approach. The study sample is distributed throughout (3) Hospitals in Baghdad City. A self-report questionnaire is developed from the literature, for assessing the effect of coping strategies on severity of Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The scales were used after the permission of their authors. Furthermore, it is translated to Arabic via a valid translator using the forward-backward translation technique. Results: The data analysis found that about three quarters (72.7%) of samples had High level, while other quarter of sample (6.7%,20.7 %) of sample were within Low and Moderate respectively. Conclusion: Patients' coping strategies with irritable bowel syndrome was high. Patients show high level in using: (active coping, planning dimension, positive reframing, acceptance, religion, self-distraction, denial, substance use and behavioral disengagement) as coping techniques. Recommendations: Using the Media and social media Platforms to shed light upon the IBS positive coping mechanisms. Establish programs that provide social and psychological support for patients with IBS.