Awareness and understanding of inflammatory bowel disease in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the most common inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) that significantly impact quality of life and healthcare systems. The prevalence of IBD is increasing worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia, particularly among younger populations. Several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental changes, contribute to the development of the disease. Aims: This study aims to assess the awareness of IBD among residents of the Jazan region, informing targeted health interventions. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Jazan aged 18 and above. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 participants were randomly selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were gathered through an online questionnaire shared through social media and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 29.0.0. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize demographic data and awareness levels. Chi-square tests assessed associations between awareness and various factors, with significance at P < 0.05. Results: Among the 400 adults surveyed, half ( n = 200, 50%) were aged 18–25. The majority were female ( n = 230, 57.5%), single ( n = 216, 54.0%), and held a bachelor’s degree ( n = 246, 61.5%). Awareness of IBD was variable: 230 (57.5%) knew of UC, 167 (41.8%) knew of CD, and 161 (40.3%) recognized the term IBD. Notably, 203 participants (50.7%) understood that IBD is not contagious, but awareness of complications was low (e.g. 141 (35.3%) for extradigestive symptoms). The average awareness score was 7.6 ± 6.3, with significant associations found between higher awareness and factors such as education level ( P < 0.001), student status ( P = 0.005), monthly income ( P = 0.001), employment in the health sector ( P < 0.001), and personal experience with IBD ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study highlights gaps in IBD awareness among adults in Jazan, with higher knowledge linked to education, income, healthcare exposure, and personal experience with IBD. Despite recognition of the disease, understanding of its complications remains limited, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions to promote early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.