Future of research on inflammatory bowel disease in Nigeria: Gaps and opportunities

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an increasing global health issue that poses specific challenges in Nigeria. Although awareness of IBD is growing in the country, research and resources remain limited. This review aims to address this significant gap. To identify key gaps in IBD research within Nigeria and highlight opportunities for advancing future investigations to improve patient outcomes. A comprehensive review of the existing literature was conducted to evaluate current trends in IBD research, healthcare barriers, and potential areas for investigation specific to the Nigerian context. The analysis highlights significant deficiencies, including scarce epidemiological data, low levels of awareness among clinicians and patients, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate diagnostic and treatment resources. Additionally, there is a profound lack of localized research addressing genetic, environmental, and dietary factors relevant to the Nigerian population. Future investigations should prioritize epidemiological studies to assess IBD prevalence in Nigeria, establish specialized care centers for diagnosis and management, and launch public health initiatives to promote awareness and education. Strengthening collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers is imperative to achieving these goals. Bridging these research gaps presents an invaluable opportunity to enhance IBD healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in Nigeria. Collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts are essential for advancing knowledge, improving resources, and ultimately elevating the quality of life for individuals living with IBD in the country.

Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease; Crohn's disease; Ulcerative colitis; Diagnostic challenges; Treatment accessibility; Public awareness; Clinician awareness; Inflammatory bowel disease registry; Research gaps; Multidisciplinary collaboration

Core Tip: To effectively tackle the increasing burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Nigeria, a multifaceted approach is necessary. First, comprehensive epidemiological studies are vital to better understand IBD’s prevalence and risk factors. Raising public awareness through targeted education and improving healthcare professionals' knowledge with ongoing training are crucial for early detection. Enhancing healthcare infrastructure by establishing specialized IBD diagnostic and treatment centers is also essential. Finally, fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and patient advocacy groups will help advance research, streamline healthcare delivery, and improve patient outcomes.