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Unique challenges faced by tweens and teens with inflammatory bowel disease: a global perspective
Irina Geiculescu1,2, Barbara Joanna Niklinska-Schirtz1,2, Sachith Munasinghe1
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine & Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Insights
Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients face unique hurdles in healthcare access, medication availability, and care transitions. Global disparities in pediatric IBD care highlight the need for improved and equitable treatment strategies worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric gastroenterology
- Chronic disease management
- Healthcare access disparities
Background:
- Individuals with chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encounter significant global healthcare access challenges.
- Adolescents, specifically tweens (9-12 years) and teens (13-19 years), with IBD experience distinct obstacles compared to adult patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current evidence on the challenges faced by pediatric IBD patients globally.
- To highlight region-specific issues and geographic disparities in pediatric IBD care.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of current evidence.
- Synthesis of reports from pediatric IBD clinicians worldwide.
Main Results:
- Pediatric IBD patients face limited medication access, difficulties in transitioning to adult care, and barriers to clinical trial participation.
- Mental health, puberty-related growth, and social media influence are significant additional concerns for this population.
- While many challenges are universal, regional variations in care and geographic disparities are evident.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the unique healthcare needs of pediatric IBD patients is crucial for improving outcomes.
- Mitigating barriers to care, including medication access and transition support, is essential.
- Recognizing and addressing geographic disparities is vital for achieving equitable global IBD care for children and adolescents.
Abstract:
Access to quality healthcare for individuals with chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains a global challenge. Tweens (aged 9-12 years) and teens (typically aged 13-19 years) with IBD face unique challenges compared to adults, including limited access to medications, difficulties transitioning to adult care, and barriers to clinical trial enrollment. Additional concerns include mental health, social media influence, and growth through puberty. This review article brings together current evidence reported by pediatric IBD clinicians worldwide to highlight these issues. While many challenges are universal, some are region specific and reflect geographic disparities in care.
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