S1596 Impact of Bathroom Access on Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Introduction: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is often associated with diarrhea, urgency, and tenesmus requiring frequent bathroom visits. Patients living with IBD often report reduced quality of life (QoL), limited social activities and inability to leave their home over concerns of bathroom access. This might disproportionately impact individuals of sexual and gender minorities (SGM). The aim of this study was to survey individuals living with IBD on the impact of bathroom access on their disease. Methods: The study team designed an online annonymous survey using Qualtrics© to assess the impact of bathroom restrictions on individuals with IBD. Online survey was distributed to members of an online IBD support group (Girls with Guts). Demographics included age range, age of diagnosis of IBD, type of IBD, gender identity and sexual orientation. Survey questions addressed several aspects of bathroom access including laws restricting timely bathroom access, behaviors to avoid public bathroom use, and impact of lack of bathroom access on IBD and mental health. Descriptive statistics included counts, percentages and median with interquartile range (IQR). Study was approved by IRB. Results: Of the 41 respondents, 39 agreed to complete the survey. Table 1 shows demographics with most of the respondents with Crohn’s disease (54.3%), ages 35-49 years (57.9%), identified as White race (94.7%), and cisgender women (66.7%). Table 2 summarizes the impact of bathroom access on IBD. (Tables presented at ACG 2025). Of those who completed the questionnaires, 40.0% self-reported that their IBD activity is subpar, 28.6% lived in a state with a bathroom restriction law based on gender identity. 64.3% reported issues with timely bathroom access with 52.2% reported avoiding the bathroom due to fear of discrimination in the past 12 months. All those who felt threatened to use the bathroom avoided eating or going out in public to avoid public bathroom use. The majority felt comfortable discussing bathroom access with their IBD provider. Conclusion: Safe and timely bathroom access is an important need for patients with IBD with significant impacts on quality of life and mental health. Bathroom access limitations disproportionately impact SGM populations. IBD providers should be aware of the impacts of bathroom access on patients with IBD and explore interventions to support equitable bathroom access for all patients.