D2.543 - Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Workers with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis, are chronic relapsing-remitting conditions. These disorders predominantly affect young adults of working age. In Tunisia, epidemiological data regarding the clinical and occupational characteristics of patients with IBD remain limited. The objective of this study was To describe the sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical characteristics of patients with IBD who are engaged in or have previously engaged in professional activity.

We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Department of Gastroenterology at Farhat Hached University Hospital. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire administered to patients with IBD who were currently employed or had previously been employed. Sociodemographic, occupational, and medical data were recorded, including type of IBD, disease duration, disease activity, complications, treatments, and extraintestinal manifestations.

Fifty-nine patients were included, with a mean age of 41.6 ± 13.3 years and a slight female predominance (54.2%). Crohn’s disease was more prevalent (33 cases, 56%) than ulcerative colitis (26 cases, 44%). The mean age at diagnosis was 34.3 ± 12.5 years, and the mean disease duration was 86.3 months. The mean occupational seniority was 16.9 years. Employment sectors were diverse: healthcare (9%), garment manufacturing (10%), agriculture (12%), services (12%), and unemployment (28.9%). Employment status included permanent positions (29%), fixed-term contracts (21%), and daily wage workers (21%). At inclusion, 73% of patients were in clinical remission. Previous complications were frequent (44.1%), mainly strictures (28.8%), anemia (11.9%), and severe acute colitis (10.2%). Extraintestinal manifestations were reported in 32.2% of patients, predominantly rheumatologic (22%). Sixty-eight percent of patients had been hospitalized at least once.

IBD affects a young and economically active population characterized by long disease duration, frequent complications, and significant extraintestinal manifestations. The occupational profile is marked by wide sectoral diversity and substantial employment precariousness. These findings highlight the need for close occupational health surveillance and multidisciplinary coordination to optimize the management of these patients.