Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic and relapsing disorders that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. With the increasing medical and economic burden of IBD, an adequate and expedited medical care is of utmost importance. The social determinants of heath ([SDOH]; e.g., social connections, depression) can influence up to 60% of a person’s health and well-being, particularly in certain populations as LGBTQIA+. However, little is known about the SDOH in LGBTQIA+ patients with IBD.
Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study to determine the SDOH in LGBTQI+ patients with IBD. We included LGBTQIA+ patients (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex) from the electronical medical record (EMR) who were diagnosed with IBD between 1971-2022. We excluded patients that had no IBD-related EMR documented visits. The primary endpoint of the study was to assess the risk status of the SDOH. These data are calculated through information filled by hospital staff and patients through their healthcare application (i.e., MyChart).
Results: A total of 93 patients were included in the analysis (mean age 40.1 ±17.0 years; 91.4 White) (Table 1). In our cohort, 35 patients (37.6%) were socially/moderately isolated, 17 patients (18.3%) had medium/high risk of tobacco use, 9 patients (9.7%) had medium/high risk of depression, 35 patients (37.6%) were insufficiently or high risk of physical inactivity, 6 patients (6.5%) had unmet or medium risk of transportation needs, 10 patients (10.8%) had medium/high risk of dental needs, 11 patients (11.8%) had high risk of housing instability, 12 patients (12.9%) had medium/high risk of heavy alcohol drinking, 16 patients (17.2%) had medium/high financial strains, 34 patients (36.6%) had medium/high levels of stress, 8 patients (8.6%) had food insecurity, 39 patients (41.9%) had medium/high risk of not meeting nutritional needs, 1 patient (1.1%) had high risk of intimate partner violence, and 10 patients (10.8%) had medium/high risk of unemployment. Importantly, 37-63% of patients had unfilled/unknown data within each of the SDOH categories.
Discussion: LGBTQIA+ patients with IBD are at a significant risk in several SDOH, resulting in health inequities. More effort is needed to obtain the SDOH in this population and better to understand their social/medical needs. Consequently, this will enhance obtaining appropriate resources to address these risks and disparities.
