Page 119 - EJMO-9-2

Eurasian Journal of
Medicine and Oncology Understanding ulcerative colitis

scales has been confirmed through extensive research and rural residential areas, thus providing a comprehensive
application in various healthcare contexts. representation across different living conditions.
The Family Emotional Involvement and Criticism 2.3. Data collection procedure
Scale (FEICS)-II was also used. Developed by Cleveland
G. Shields, this self-report tool assesses emotional A pencil-paper questionnaire was given to the participants.
involvement and criticism within familial relationships, The study, focusing on LOC, EE, and QOL, was explained
making it crucial for evaluating EE in family dynamics. to the participants. They were informed that the purpose of
FEICS-II demonstrates high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha the questionnaire was to collect particular data regarding
> 0.80) and robust concurrent validity (p < 0.001). The their perceived ability to control influencing factors in
questionnaire contains 14 belief statements related to their lives and how these factors affect their overall life.
family experiences, with responses given on a five-point Before the questionnaire, participants signed an informed
scale ranging from “Almost Never” to “Almost Always.” consent form, indicating their voluntary participation.
The emphasis on the absence of right or wrong answers They were given a maximum of 45 min to complete the
fosters an open and supportive research environment. entire questionnaire and were assured that all data and
answers gathered would remain confidential. In addition,
QOL Scale designed by Sarika Sharma and Dr. Nakhat they were made fully aware of their unrestricted right
Nasreen was employed in this study. This scale has 42 to refuse participation or withdraw from the study at
statements (34 positive and 8 negative), scored on a three- any time, without providing a reason. Only individuals
point scale. Every question has three responses – “Always,” diagnosed with UC through colonoscopy and histological
“Seldom,” “Never.” The scale has a reliability coefficient of 0.80. standards were included.
2.2. Participant selection and study criteria The questionnaire was distributed to 236 participants
The study encompassed a cohort of 200 Indian participants, in total, and 208 forms were returned, yielding an 88%
selected using a purposive sampling technique. The sample response rate. However, some responses were incomplete
included 100 UC patients (mild-to-moderate) and 100 and, as a result, excluded in this study. Ultimately, 200
healthy individuals with no major disease – specifically, participants’ responses were included in the study,
non-UC, non-diabetic, and no other major disease providing comprehensive and useful data.
related to heart, kidney, gastrointestinal system, brain, or 2.3.1. Demographic details of UC and non-UC
psychiatric issues. Patients who had undergone surgery individuals
for UC or had severe UC were excluded. In addition,
individuals with major health or psychiatric issues were Figure 1 shows the demographic features of UC patients.
excluded. Mild-to-moderate UC was defined as patients The age group of 40 – 44 years accounted for the largest
with <4 – 6 bowel movements per day, mild or moderate proportion (39%), followed by 45 – 49 years (28%), 35 –
rectal bleeding, and a low overall inflammatory burden. 39 years (21%), and 30 – 34 years (12%). There was an equal
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Each group had an equal number of 50% male and 50% distribution of males and females. Regarding socioeconomic
female participants, aged 30 – 50 years. While UC can status, 22% of participants were from the low-income
affect individuals at any age, it has peak onset periods group, 43% from the middle-income group, and 35% from
between 15 – 30 years and 50 – 70 years. Therefore, the high-income group. Urban residents accounted for
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patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms were selected 81%, while 19% lived in rural areas. In terms of education,
for this age group. After 50 years, factors, such as the aging 56% were graduates, 35% were post-graduates, and 9% were
process and hormonal changes in women could potentially undergraduates. Of these patients, 76% were married, 15%
interfere with the study outcomes. were single, and 9% were widowed. In addition, 86% of the
participants were employed, while 14% were unemployed.
The patients of mild-to-moderate UC were recruited
from three hospitals in the Nagpur region, with diagnoses Figure 2 shows the demographic characteristics of
confirmed through colonoscopy and tissue biopsy. Disease non-UC individuals. The majority (36%) were in the
staging was determined by a gastroenterologist based on 35 – 39 age groups, followed by 45 – 49 years (31%), 30
signs of inflammation in the colon and other symptoms. – 34 years (30%), and 40 – 44 years (3%). There was
All UC patients in this study adhered to a non-spicy, non- an equal distribution of males and females. Regarding
oily, home-prepared diet due to their condition. They were socioeconomic status, 72% of participants were from the
also prescribed Mesalazine 1200 (Vegaz OD 1.2 g) and middle-income group, 12% from the high-income group,
took it on a regular basis. The participants represented and 16% from the low-income group. Most participants
diverse socioeconomic status, from both urban and (85%) were from urban areas, while few (15%) were from

Volume 9 Issue 2 (2025) 111 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.8596