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GI COVID-19 study

Last updated: February 2021

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Lead researcher: Associate Professor Simon Knowles (Swinburne University of Technology, Australia)

Developed by an international collaboration of researchers, this study aimed to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on those living with a gastrointestinal condition. Specifically, this study aimed to ask people with Crohn’s or Colitis about the impact of the pandemic on their gut symptoms, how they had been managing their conditions, fears relating to coronavirus, the impact on their mental health, how they were coping, and their quality of life.

38 people with Crohn’s or Colitis took part from the UK. From this:

  • 56% said that there had been at least some problems in relation to the management of their physical condition/s.
  • 62% said there had been at least some difficulty having appointments with their GP, with slightly less at 56% saying there had been at least some difficulty having appointments with their gastroenterologist.
  • 1 in 5 people said there had been at least some difficulty accessing their medications.
  • Fear of COVID-19 was associated with reduced Quality of Life, increased distress, catastrophising (feeling other situations are considerably worse than they are) and gut symptoms.

For more information visit the GI COVID-19 study website. 

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