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Within the framework of World IBD Day, the Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Association of Catalonia organizes an awareness day in Barcelona on May 27 that highlights the role of nurses
Barcelona, May 17, 2024.- Around 1% of the world’s population is affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). In Catalonia, it is estimated that there are about 50,000 people affected and about 400,000 in Spain, 25% of whom are children and adolescents. On May 19, World Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) Day is celebrated, an initiative that includes with the participation of patient organizations from more than 50 countries. The objective of this day is to raise awareness about IBD, urge governments and health professionals to take action, and show support for patients suffering from these diseases that affect the digestive system. Within the framework of this commemoration and under the motto “The role of nurses with people affected by IBD”, the Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Association of Catalonia will hold an awareness day on Monday, May 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the auditorium of the College of Nursing of Barcelona (COIB). The event has the support of the COIB, the GETEII (Nursing Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and different institutions, as well as the participation of several nurses specializing in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Symptoms of IBDIBD include chronic disorders such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which currently have no cure. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, frequent cramps, diarrhea, frequent use of the bathroom, rectal bleeding, anemia, fatigue, decreased hunger, weight loss, and fever. Lesions may also appear on the skin, eyes and joint pain. It is important to know that IBD alternates periods of disease activity with significant symptoms (known as outbreaks or crises) with other periods in which the disease attenuates (phases of remission). In some cases, hospital treatment may be needed and surgery may even be necessary to remove the affected parts of the intestine.ACCU Catalunya: nearly 1,000 associates fighting stigmaIBDs are highly stigmatizing diseases due to their symptoms. To help patients and families with inflammatory bowel diseases, the Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Association (ACCU) Catalunya was created in 1992. Since then, this association has worked to break taboos, offer information and support to patients and their environment, give visibility to IBD and promote research. According to the director of ACCU Catalunya, Milena Sust “we must break the social stigmas that make the patient is very alone, and also fight against self-stigma, since a diagnosis like this is often a very hard blow.” For his part, the president of the association and patient, Ricard Pons, states that “from ACCU Catalunya We offer all types of services and support and information activities so that people with IBD can empower themselves, continue with their lives and understand that a diagnosis like this does not mean the end of the road.” ‘Let me learn’ and ‘I can’t wait’ ‘In addition to awareness-raising activities, ACCU Catalunya’s notable projects include ‘Let me learn’, which promotes the academic inclusion of students with IBD, and ‘I can’t wait’, which facilitates urgent and free access to toilets in case of necessity. More information about this project can be found on the website https://www.nopucesperar.org/. More information will also be found on the institutional website accucat.org and on Canal Salud.
Contact Contact name: LAIA DOLCET SISCART Contact description: ACCU CATALUNYA Contact phone: 693065956
