Development and Evaluation of a Web-Based Self-Management Program for Korean Adult Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and assess the effectiveness of a web-based nutrition education program for self-managing IBS symptoms using the IMB model. This study used single-arm, pre–post study design to test the effectiveness of the nutrition education program after its development. Participants were adults in their twenties and thirties in South Korea with IBS according to the ROME IV diagnostic criteria (n = 49). For statistical analysis, normality was verified using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and variables that met the assumption of normality were analyzed using the paired t-test, and variables that did not meet the assumption of normality were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. IBS patients (n = 49) experienced a statistically significant increase in nutrition knowledge after receiving nutrition education (p = 0.015). IBS patients (n = 35) with no prior experience in nutrition education or diet modification also demonstrated a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy (p = 0.044) and nutrition knowledge (p = 0.016). The web-based nutrition education program based on the IMB model developed in this study was found to be effective. These results will contribute to diversifying symptom prevention strategies for patients with IBS.