Effect of race and ethnicity on perceptions of inflammatory bowel disease

Objectives. The goals of this study were to (i) compare the perceived impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on the quality of life of Caucasians (W), Mexican-Americans (MA) and African-Americans (AA), and (ii) evaluate differences in understanding and beliefs regarding IBD between the three groups.; Methods. A questionnaire was administered to 148 patients between June 1999 and November 2003 at a University Gastroenterology practice in Houston, Texas.; Results. Caucasians W comprised 40%, African Americans AA 37% and Mexican Americans MA 20% of the respondents. W were more likely than AA to share that they had CD with their employers (57% vs. 27.5%, p=0.02), fellow employees (68% vs. 43.8%, p=0.02) and friends (100% vs. 79%, p=0.034). There were fewer differences between MA and W with UC. MA were more likely to believe that UC was caused by stress (70% vs. 37%, p=0.044) and cigarette smoking.; Conclusions. Significant differences appear among racial and ethnic groups with IBD regarding attitudes towards disease and impact on daily life. Appreciation of these differences may be critical to more effective management.