The lived experiences of family planning for women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects 1 in 400 people in the UK, with a prevalence of 397 per 100,000 among women, many of whom are of childbearing age. Women with IBD report heightened pregnancy-related anxieties, and their family planning decisions are complex and influenced by both medical and psychosocial factors. Existing research lacks a comprehensive understanding of these lived experiences. This thesis addresses that gap through three mixed-method empirical studies. Study 1 used qualitative interviews (n = 23) to explore women's family planning experiences with IBD, revealing the interplay between disease status, emotional factors, and the importance of support from healthcare professionals. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data, with participants grouped by reproductive stage: Group A (actively planning, n = 3), Group B (currently pregnant, n = 9), Group C (postpartum, n = 8), and Group D (voluntarily childless, n = 3). To disseminate findings, three artists created artwork based on participants’ narratives. Study 2 (n = 218) assessed responses to the artwork using questionnaires. Results showed that those familiar with IBD better understood the artwork, and patients, particularly women and younger participants, found it a valuable tool for medical communication. Study 3 (n = 29) employed eye-tracking to compare engagement with the artwork versus a traditional information leaflet. Participants spent more time viewing the artwork, suggesting it captured attention more effectively. Overall, the findings highlight the need for a biopsychosocial approach to family planning in IBD care. Visual art emerged as a promising medium for conveying complex medical information in an accessible and relatable way, especially for younger female patients.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wolverhampton

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Homer-Perry, Rebecca

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Purewal, Satvinder

• inflammatory bowel disease
• IBD
• family planning
• reproductive health
• pregnancy
• postpartum
• voluntary childlessness

Licence

• https://wlv.openrepository.com/bitstreams/f0fa61db-5e99-4ea4-ab8e-728d93d47b14/download