A unique study by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Wexner Center for the Arts offers a fresh perspective on treating chronic digestive symptoms: engaging in art.
Called Project Gather, this innovative program combined gallery art exhibits, hands-on activities, and music to combat the loneliness often experienced by patients with chronic digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and pain.
Led by Dr. Subhankar Chakraborty, a digestive disease expert, and medical student Anjali Doshi, the project collaborated with Tracie McCambridge, director of art and resilience at The Wex.
They enrolled 17 patients, ranging from 32 to 97 years old, predominantly women (94%), in an eight-week art program. Every week from September to December 2022, the participants met to engage in group activities and discussions at the museum.
The study focused on how art can positively impact patients’ well-being while living with chronic illnesses. Dr. Chakraborty, also a clinical assistant professor at Ohio State College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying stress associated with chronic illnesses, especially given the limited access to timely mental health care. He believes that creative activities can play a crucial role in easing this stress.
The patients expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to connect with others who understood their experiences with chronic illness. McCambridge highlighted the program’s aim to create connections in a fun, engaging, and stress-free environment.
The research team noticed a link between personality traits and the severity of digestive symptoms. Loneliness was tied to a worse physical quality of life, while the severity of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and gastroparesis was connected to a poorer mental quality of life. The study suggests that addressing loneliness and anger could help alleviate these symptoms.
Dr. Chakraborty underscored the importance of tailoring programs to the social and cultural backgrounds of participants. The diverse specialties at Ohio State make it an ideal setting for such interdisciplinary approaches.
Encouraged by the outcomes of Project Gather, the team hopes to extend similar group programs to patients with other illnesses and to different communities, including military veterans. This study is a testament to the potential of art-based therapies in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions, providing a holistic approach to health and well-being.
If you care about gut health, please read studies about how junk food harms your gut health, and how probiotics can protect gut health.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how fiber affects weight loss and your overall health, and results showing why a glass of red wine is good for your gut.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
