IBD Care Across Diverse Patient Populations: Changing the Narrative

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Health Disparities Research
• Medical Education

Background:

• Historically marginalized Black and Hispanic communities face significant disparities in gastroenterology, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• A notable lack of high-quality research investigates these IBD health disparities.
• Underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic individuals in medical education may exacerbate these inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for innovative solutions to address the paucity of research on IBD disparities.
• To emphasize the importance of engaging all stakeholders, including patients and practitioners, to close the knowledge gap.
• To discuss strategies for improving IBD care and research for diverse populations.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on IBD genetics in diverse populations.
• Discussion of strategies to increase research participation among underrepresented groups.
• Emphasis on equitable IBD clinical practices and organizational efforts.

Main Results:

• Advances in understanding IBD genetics across diverse populations are emerging.
• Strategies to augment research participation for Black and Hispanic individuals are proposed.
• Barriers to identifying and addressing IBD treatment disparities are examined.

Conclusions:

• Concerted engagement is vital to address the knowledge gap in IBD among Black and Hispanic individuals.
• Equity in IBD clinical practice and research is essential.
• Further research is needed, particularly concerning IBD in Indigenous populations.