DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AS DETERMINANTS OF EMOTIONAL EXPRESSIVENESS IN FAMILIES OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Abstract

The study aims to expand the understanding of the nature of relatives’ expressed emotion (EE) and the its peculiarities towards service users with chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Considering the aim of the study there is a key research question: Are there any differences in the service users’ subjective experience of EE (perceived EE), the illness-related quality of life and the health condition according to demographic characteristics, namely gender, marital status and professional status? The study sample includes 118 service users who were undergoing inpatient treatment in the gastroenterology and proctology departments of the "Volyn Regional Clinical Hospital". The study applies methods of theoretical analysis as well as scales and questionnaires for empirical investigation, including the Illness-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) and the Level of Perceived EE (pLEE) Scale. The results of the study indicate that there are no significant differences in illness-related quality of life, health condition and service users’ subjective experience of EE between men and women with chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Employed persons have better indicies of health condition compared to persons who are unemployed at the level of p<0,001. Married individuals with chronic gastrointestinal diseases have a better illness-related quality of life and health condition at the p<0,05 level. The study has an important practical implication, namely developing a psychoeducational program for relatives and healthcare staff who interact with service users with chronic gastrointestinal diseases.