Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in young people

2023-05-19 10:15:04

On the occasion of the International Day of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), patients, health professionals and universities have come together to achieve inclusive educational environments that are sensitized to this pathology.

Effects of IBD symptoms in the academic field. Image courtesy of ACCU.

Las Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) son chronic digestive pathologies characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue or discomfort in digestion and have a higher prevalence among young people between 15 and 30 years of age. To this day, at least 1% of the Spanish population have IBD.

These illnesses alternate active or bud phases, where symptoms are most pronounced, with inactive or remission phases where the demonstrations are smaller.

In addition, the effects of IBDs have a high impact on life daily life, especially at the family, work and educational level.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in the social and academic field

According to the data provided by the Confederation of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis (ACUU Spain) and the Platform of Patient Organizations (POP)at least the 84% of chronic patients of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) they have problems maintaining social relationships and difficulties in academic grades.

Students with IBD say that due to the symptoms, their daily productivity is affected. In fact, the 90% of students with this disease have habitual absences.

As every year, ACCU Spain in collaboration with the Spanish Working Group on Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU)he Nursing Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (GETEII) and the POP launch the campaignWe are one”.

This year, the proposal focuses on getting all people and especially students with IBD can enjoy a inclusive academic training. The objective is stand up for this sector of the student body, so that you can successfully complete your university studies.

With the interest of achieving it, it has been launched ACCUniversityan initiative that was born within “Somos Uno” on the occasion of the World Day of People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Effects of IBD symptoms in the academic field. Image courtesy of ACCU Spain.

ACCUniversity, the way to understand IBD

ACCUniversity consists of a short training on inclusive education which can be completed free of charge at the We are one website“.

The materials they offer are designed to help students, public administration staff, and teachers better understand IBD. In addition, they offer advice and practical recommendations to adapt teaching to people who suffer from this pathology.

“The impact of the diagnosis of a chronic disease during the university stage can be especially difficult, since it occurs at a vulnerable moment of personal and educational development,” says Ruth Serrano, general director of ACCU Spain.

Despite the advances in diagnosis, treatment and training, there are still many access difficulties to quality training adapted to the needs of children and young people with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

According to Carina Escobar, president of the POP, it is necessary to understand what is living with IBD and facilitate the inclusion of those affected to the university and work world.

The ACCUniversity campaign will last the entire month of May and has the active collaboration of the Complutense University of Madrid, the European University, the Autonomous University of Madrid, the National University of Distance Education and the International University of La Rioja.

Throughout the month of May, online activities and training will alternate with face-to-face events aimed mainly at the university community.