This research team found the number of Indigenous people in Sask. with IBD doubled over a 17-year period
A research study out of the University of Saskatchewan reveals the number of Indigenous people in the province living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has more than doubled from 1999 to 2016.
IBD is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract — ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two main types.
A news release from the university says the number of Indigenous people with IBD has remained stable at an annual rate of about 11 cases per 100,000 population while the rate of new cases in the general population has been decreasing.
Dr. Juan-Nicolas Peña-Sánchez, co-principal investigator of the study, says he doesn't know the exact reason behind the rising numbers, however says there is a misconception that IBD is rare among Indigenous people.
Rhonda Sanderson is an Indigenous patient advocate and living with IBD herself agrees with this theory.
“I know with Indigenous people, we get frustrated with the healthcare system because of the barriers, because of the lack of information out there and studies like this help Indigenous people move forward in being diagnosed,” Sanderson told CTV News.
“It’s not until you reach a crisis point when you get really sick or require surgery, or you're hospitalized, then you get your answers but it’s a long process.”
She says she’s not surprised with the numbers doubling as with more education and awareness, more people are looking for answers and coming forward when symptoms arise.
“We are happy there is awareness because people were probably living with the disease but didn’t have access (to healthcare) ….so there is a change and that's what we are working for, ” Peña-Sánchez said.
Peña-Sánchez says there is still limited data when it comes to Indigenous people living with IBD in Canada and worldwide.
He says the limited data and misconceptions could influence health professionals’ decisions when providing care to Indigenous people presenting symptoms.
“It’s important for the education and information to be made available so that people do have stuff they can take forward and say ‘hey this is what I’m experiencing, and this is not as rare as you think it is, this is what I need’, we become our own advocates,” Sanderson said.
Evidence from the study is being used to advocate for better health care for Indigenous people with IBD. It also hopes to encourage Indigenous IBD patients, their families and health care professionals to promote culturally safe and innovative care for them, the news release said.
Peña-Sánchez says the next goal is to expand its research to other provinces to promote awareness and provide a strong understanding of IBD within Indigenous populations
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.