Relationship between fear of progression and quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease: Mediating role of health literacy and self‐care

Abstract Aims The increasing prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease is emerging as a significant global healthcare concern due to its recurrent episodes of intestinal inflammation. This study aims to explore the relationship between fear of progression and health‐related quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease patients, investigating the sequential mediating roles of health literacy and self‐care. Design A cross‐sectional study. Methods Eligible participants diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease were recruited through convenience sampling method at a tertiary hospital in Shenyang, China, between May 2022 and May 2023. A total of 241 participants completed the questionnaires regarding fear of progression, health literacy, self‐care and quality of life. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0 and PROCESS plug‐ins. Results (1) Fear of progression was found to be negatively associated with quality of life and had a directly predictive effect on quality of life. (2) Health literacy and self‐care could independently mediate the relationship between fear of progression and quality of life. (3) There was a significant chain mediating effect of health literacy and self‐care in the relationship between fear of progression and quality of life. Conclusion Fear of progression could not only directly predict the quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease patients but also indirectly affect their quality of life through the chain mediation of health literacy and self‐care. Impact This study highlights the importance of nursing staff focusing on the interplay between fear of progression, health literacy, self‐care and quality of life in caring for inflammatory bowel disease patients. Understanding the potential correlation mechanism underlying quality of life may help develop targeted care interventions to synergistically enhance health literacy and self‐care in these patients. Reporting Method STROBE guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution No public or patient contribution.