Journal Articles
Published Research
The following is a summary of journal publications by Associate Professor Knowles. Click on the references below for further details.
Journal Articles
2015
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Neilson, K., Ftanou, M., Monshat, K., Salzberg, M., Bell, S., Kamm, MA., Connell, W., Knowles, S.R., Sevar, K., Mancuso, S.G., and Castle, D. (2015). A controlled study of a group mindfulness intervention for individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 22(3): 694 – 701.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (MI-IBD).
Design: Treatment-as-usual control versus mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention.
Methods: Sixty patients participated in either the MI-IBD (n = 33) or treatment-as-usual group (n = 27) conditions. The MI-IBD consisted of an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction training group. Outcome measures were administered at baseline (before intervention), immediately after intervention, and 6 months after intervention. Primary outcomes included measures of quality of life, psychological distress (depression and anxiety), and mindfulness. Data for MI-IBD group participants also included weekly attendance, daily minutes meditated, and satisfaction with the program.
Results: There were no baseline differences between intervention and control groups on demographic variables or inflammatory bowel disease severity. Compared with the control group, the MI-IBD group reported significantly greater improvements in anxiety, quality of life, and mindfulness at after intervention, with reduction in depression and improvements in quality of life and mindfulness maintained at 6 months after intervention.
Conclusions: Results demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a mindfulness intervention for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, with medium-to-large effects on psychological distress, quality of life, and mindfulness.
URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=26529560
Tribbick, D., Salzberg, M., Ftanou, M., Connell, W.R., Macrae, F., Kamm, M.A., Bates, G., Cunningham, G., Austin, D., & Knowles, S. R. (2015). Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Australian Outpatients Cohort. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology, 8:197-204. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S77567.
Background: This study aimed to characterize prevalence of anxiety and depressive conditions and uptake of mental health services in an Australian inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) outpatient setting.
Methods: Eighty-one IBD patients (39 males, mean age 35 years) attending a tertiary hospital IBD outpatient clinic participated in this study. Disease severity was evaluated according to the Manitoba Index. Diagnosis of an anxiety or depressive condition was based upon the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Results: Based on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale subscale scores >8 and meeting Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview criteria, 16 (19.8%) participants had at least one anxiety condition, while nine (11.1%) had a depressive disorder present. Active IBD status was associated with higher prevalence rates across all anxiety and depressive conditions. Generalized anxiety was the most common (12 participants, 14.8%) anxiety condition, and major depressive disorder (recurrent) was the most common depressive condition reported (five participants, 6.2%). Seventeen participants (21%) reported currently seeking help for mental health issues while 12.4% were identified has having at least one psychological condition but not seeking treatment.
Conclusion: We conclude that rates of anxiety and depression are high in this cohort, and that IBD-focused psychological services should be a key component of any holistic IBD service, especially for those identified as having active IBD.
URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4512611/