Assessing the unique concerns of Arab patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional study and the case for region-specific support groups

Abstract Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents chronic challenges impacting quality of life. Data on patient concerns in Middle Eastern populations, where IBD incidence is rising, are limited. We aimed to assess the concerns of Arab IBD patients using the Rating Form of IBD Patient Concerns (RFIPC) and contemporary items, comparing them to Western cohorts. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 60 adult IBD patients (median age 32, 60% male, 66.7% Crohn’s disease, median duration 5 years) at a tertiary center in Abu Dhabi using the 25-item RFIPC and 20 supplemental questions (0–100 VAS). Demographic, clinical, and support group preference data were collected. Median concern scores (IQR) were calculated and analyzed. Results: The highest-rated concerns were “ability to eat whatever I want,” “effects of medication,” and “taking long-term medication.” Other significant worries with median scores in the high-to-moderate range included achieving life potential, pain/suffering, low energy levels, the uncertain nature of the disease, and the risk of serious infections from medications. Moderate concerns included body image and loss of bowel control. Concerns about having an ostomy bag ranked lower overall than often reported in Western studies but showed high variability and were significantly higher in postsurgical patients. Lower-ranked concerns included being a burden on others and limitations on physical activities. Conclusion: Arab IBD patients exhibit distinct concerns, prioritizing dietary freedom and medication worries over issues like ostomy fear, which is more prominent in Western cohorts. While preliminary, these findings highlight the need for culturally tailored interventions, suggesting region-specific support groups focusing on diet and medication management could improve patient quality of life.