Dietary beliefs, barriers, and acceptability of diet in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease—A multicenter survey of the Asia‐Pacific region

BACKGROUND: Dietary interventions can serve as an alternative or adjunct to pharmacological intervention in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to investigate various dietary beliefs, barriers and acceptability of diet among IBD patients. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional survey was conducted across four Asia-Pacific countries. An anonymized online questionnaire was distributed through 10 participating IBD centers. Respondents rated the acceptability of IBD-related diets using a five-point Likert scale, with a score of 4 or more indicating acceptability. RESULTS: A total of 567 responses were received from 56.2% patients with Crohn's disease, and 42.5% with disease duration exceeding 10 years. While only 40.6% believed diet contributes to IBD causation, 80.2% avoided certain food during disease relapse. Respondents receiving advice from friends, family or acquaintances were more likely to avoid certain food during relapse (P < 0.01) and attempt therapeutic diets (P < 0.01) than those who were advised by healthcare professionals. Although many respondents modified diet during flares (46.4%), long term adherence remained low across most dietary patterns (24.4%). Key barriers included difficulties in meal preparation (46.0%) and social interference (42.9%). Respondents prioritized dietary effectiveness in symptom control (77.2%) and ease of meal preparation (69.6%). Low-fiber and Mediterranean diets were most acceptable, whereas exclusive enteral nutrition was least acceptable. CONCLUSION: Dietary choices are influenced by ease of preparation and social factors. A reliance on non-professional advice highlights an opportunity to strengthen clinician-patient communication around dietary modifications. Tailored, culturally sensitive dietary strategies may enhance adherence and acceptability in a diverse population, factors that are important when evaluating the role of dietary interventions in IBD management.