| Title: |
P0045 Minority Gender Identity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nationwide Healthcare Professional Survey Reveals Anxiety and Lack of Knowledge |
| Authors: |
Colwill, M; Seal, L; Pollok, R; Poullis, A |
| Source: |
Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis ; volume 20, issue Supplement_1 ; ISSN 1873-9946 1876-4479 |
| Publisher Information: |
Oxford University Press (OUP) |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Description: |
Background Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals represent 0.5% of the United Kingdom (UK) population and often experience stigma, poor health outcomes, and dissatisfaction in healthcare. [1] Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects 1 in 123 people in the UK and carries significant physical and psychological burden. [2] TGNC individuals with IBD (TGNC-IBD) face additional challenges, including the impact of gender-affirming surgery or hormone therapy on their IBD, and compounded mental health risks.[3] Focus group work suggests TGNC-IBD patients feel physicians lack relevant knowledge and experience stigma and uncertainty however no studies have explored the perspectives of IBD healthcare providers when caring for this population. Methods A 23-item anonymous questionnaire, co-designed with TGNC-IBD patients, was distributed nationally from June-September 2025 through social media and through the British Society of Gastroenterology. Eligible participants were UK healthcare professionals managing adult patients with IBD. Questions assessed demographics, comfort, knowledge, and institutional facilities. Responses were analysed descriptively. Ethical approval was obtained from City St George’s, University of London. Results 62 responses were collected from a wide range of professionals and geographic locations (table 1) and key findings are summarised below (figure 1). 54 (87.1%) reported having cared for TGNC-IBD patients and 50 (80.6%) felt it was very or somewhat important to know a patient’s gender identity. 27 (43.6%) felt slightly or very uncomfortable discussing gender identity, 37 (60.7%) felt nervous enquiring about gender identity and 32 (51.6%) felt very or somewhat unconfident asking about pronouns. 42 (67.7%) disagreed that they are adequately trained to care for TGNC-IBD patients and the majority felt either very or somewhat unknowledgeable with regards to managing perianal disease in context of gender affirming surgery (n = 49, 79%), bone health in TGNC-IBD patients (n = ... |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| Language: |
English |
| DOI: |
10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaf231.226 |
| Availability: |
https://doi.org/10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaf231.226; https://academic.oup.com/ecco-jcc/article-pdf/20/Supplement_1/jjaf231.226/66499917/jjaf231.226.pdf |
| Rights: |
https://academic.oup.com/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.17D6B016 |
| Database: |
BASE |