Introduction Psychological factors (PF) may be important in explaining impact on quality of life (IoQoL) and may also explain illness related behaviours (IRB) in IBS patients.1 A new PF –the Acceptance– may predict features such as IoQoL and IRB in chronic conditiions like Diabetes and Chronic Pain.2 No study yet has looked at its role in IBS.

Methods 82 consecutive patients attending the Motility clinic between April-September 2009 were recruited. Female:male ratio was 70:12. Age ranged 20–77 (median:47) years. Diagnosis was established via clinician interview and Rome III criteria. Length of diagnosis ranged from 1 to 360 (median:60) months prior to recruitment. The Acceptance of IBS was measured using the Action Questionnaire (IBSAAQ; prior validation). IoQoL was assessed through the IBS36.3 The use of IRB was assessed by the Behavioural Scale for Functional Bowel Disorders.4 Patients also completed the Symptom Severity Scale.5 Correlations between variables were analysed with Pearson Coefficient. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the effect of Acceptance on IoQoL and IRB. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.01.

Results Acceptance inversely correlated with IoQoL (r=-0.705, p<0.001) and with the IRB (r=-0.682, p<0.001). Symptom Severity showed direct correlation with IoQoL (r=0.648, p<0.001) and use of IRB (r=0.594, p<0.001). A model including Age, Length of Illness, Symptom Severity and Acceptance was the best at predicting IoQoL, by explaining 59% of the variance, with Acceptance explaining almost 19% of the variance in outcome (ΔR²= 0.187, F_4,70=26.43). Same model was best at predicting the use of IRB by explaining 55% of outcome variance with Acceptance accounting for over 15% of outcome variance (ΔR²=0.152, F_4,70=22.54). In both models Acceptance proved to be a significant predictor of Impact on QoL (β=-0.54) and on use of IRB (β=-0.49).

Conclusion The psychological concept of Acceptance appears to be directly related to IoQoL and use of IRB in IBS patients. This may have significant implications in the IBS treatment; targeting changes in Acceptance may improve the various treatment modalities' outcomes.