‘Food doesn't control me anymore!’ psychosocial experiences during dietary management in adults with inflammatory bowel disease: A qualitative study

Aims To explore the psychosocial experiences during dietary management among Chinese adults with inflammatory bowel disease. Design Qualitative phenomenological design. Methods Eighteen adults diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease for more than 6 months were recruited using purposive sampling from June to December 2023. Two trained researchers used van Manen's approach to analyse the data. Results The three themes with multiple subthemes emerged: facing the unknown: at a loss and aggrieved, trying to cope: uncertain and distressed, and growing in adaptation: relieved and transcendent. The first theme included unknown relapses, overlooking diet management and the absence of dietary rules. The second theme showed different coping situations, like complex dietary information and ever‐closing worlds. The third theme explores how participants adapted to disease and their eating patterns. Conclusion The psychosocial experiences during dietary management are complex. The accumulation of diet‐related experience, acceptance of illness and social support facilitate patients in overcoming negative emotions and adhering to dietary management. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care Nurses should provide tailored dietary guidance and appropriate psychological interventions to promote healthy eating in patients. Impact This study may enhance healthcare professionals' understanding, particularly those in China, of the diet‐related experiences among patients. Reporting Method The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Patient or Public Contribution Participants contributed by sharing their first hand experiences.