Experiences of ethnic minority patients who are living with a primary chronic bowel condition: a systematic scoping review with narrative synthesis

Abstract

Background Prevalence of chronic gastrointestinal diseases has been rising amongst ethnic minority populations in Western countries, despite the first-generation migrants originating from countries of low prevalence. Differences caused by genetic, environmental, cultural, and religious factors in each context may contribute towards shaping experiences of ethnic minority individuals living with primary bowel conditions. This review aimed to explore the experiences of ethnic minority patients living with chronic bowel conditions. Methods We conducted a systematic scoping review to retrieve qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies from eight electronic databases, and manually searched reference lists of frequently cited papers. Results Fourteen papers met the inclusion criteria: focussing on inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and coeliac disease. Core themes were narratively analysed. South Asians had limited understanding of inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac disease, hindered by language and literacy barriers, particularly for older generations, suggesting that culturally relevant information is needed. Family support was limited, and Muslim South Asians referred to religion to understand and self-manage inflammatory bowel disease. Ethnic minority groups across countries experienced: poor dietary intake for coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, cultural conflict in self-managing diet for inflammatory bowel disease which increased anxiety, and there was a need for better quality of, and access to, healthcare services. British ethnic minority groups experienced difficulties with IBD diagnosis/misdiagnosis. Conclusions Cultural, religious, and social contexts, together with language barriers and limited health literacy influenced experiences of health inequalities for ethnic minority patients living with chronic bowel diseases.

Health Is Power, and Health Is Wealth: Understanding the Motivators and Barriers of African American/Black Male Immigrants With Gastrointestinal Conditions

“…Other digestive conditions are poorly studied ( Parkman et al, 2019 ). Historically, studies have reported that White populations were more likely to experience IBS than other racial and ethnic groups, such as African American/Black populations ( Ahmed et al, 2021 ; Sandler, 1990 ; Wigington et al, 2005 ). However, empirical studies from 2016 to 2022 reveal that IBS is increasing among African American/Black populations ( Afzali & Cross, 2016 ; Ahmed et al, 2021 ; Aniwan et al, 2019 ; Anyane-Yeboa et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Historically, studies have reported that White populations were more likely to experience IBS than other racial and ethnic groups, such as African American/Black populations ( Ahmed et al, 2021 ; Sandler, 1990 ; Wigington et al, 2005 ). However, empirical studies from 2016 to 2022 reveal that IBS is increasing among African American/Black populations ( Afzali & Cross, 2016 ; Ahmed et al, 2021 ; Aniwan et al, 2019 ; Anyane-Yeboa et al, 2022 ). Another study indicated that African Americans and Black Americans have the highest rates for several cancers, including gastric and small bowel cancers ( Ashktorab et al, 2017 ).…”