Social network and social support in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to make a precise analysis of social network and social support to patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (CEDE) in comparison with healthy controls. Methods: 35 patients with colitis ulcerosa and 47 patients with Morbus Crohn were interviewed using the questionnaire for investigating social network and social support (SONET). Medical data on disease activity were also assessed. CEDE patients were compared with healthy controls, and patients with active disease were compared with those whose disease was in remission. Results: In comparison to healthy controls, the patients demonstrated a significantly smaller social network, comprising fewer extra-familial persons but more relationships to the closest core family members. CEDE patients also reported a significantly smaller number of persons from whom they received social support. Patients with active disease were generally more unsatisfied with the support received than those whose disease was in remission. Conclusions: Our study shows that the closest family members are usually responsible for the patient's social support. Further investigation is necessary to assess the needs of the core family in this stressful situation.