The sense of coherence in patients with ulcerative colitis

Introduction. The global orientation of the SOC is a vital point of interest for many researchers, including these nurses who are interested in holistic patient care. SOC patients with ulcerative colitis has remained unrecognized research area, so strategies for coping with stress and illness significantly improves the quality of life of chronically ill patients and allow them to move toward health.

Aim of the study. To evaluate the sense of coherence (SOC) in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Material and methods. The study was performed in the Gastroenterolgy Ward and Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinical Regional Hospital in Częstochowa. Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOC) according to Aaron Antonovsky was the standardized research tool. The group of 32 patients have participated in this study.

Results and conclusions. The study revealed the large dispersion of results though it may suggest that the sense of coherence in the study group was reduced. Meaningfulness and motivation to fight the disease represented the lowest degree of coherence sense. By contrast, confidence, understanding of the disease and its symptoms as well as of environment are on the similar level.