The Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Association (ACCU Navarra) warns about the development of inflammatory bowel disease among young populations and, in fact, highlights that “one in four cases begins before the age of 20”. occurs, which has a significant impact on personal, work and school life.
This was highlighted in a press release, in which its president, José Ángel Martínez Fonseca, explained that “the impact of chronic illness during the educational phase can be particularly complex, as it occurs at a vulnerable moment of personal and academic development.” In these situations, when going at a different pace, suitable adaptations are needed to ensure that they can receive education with a guarantee and complete their studies.”
Digestive problems, fatigue, pain…
The Foral community has registered about 3,000 people with inflammatory bowel disease, with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease being two of its faces, as pointed out by the ACCU. Currently without a cure and without known origin, it affects 1% of the population in a variety of ways, ranging from mild cases to others requiring surgery, and running like a “roller coaster”, with periods of outbreaks. And busted the union, along with other exemptions. According to a study conducted by the ACCU, people affected by these diseases have problems digesting food and more than half feel tired from day to day, six out of ten have abdominal pain and more than a third have to go to the bathroom. is required immediately.
In this sense, ACCU Navarra has “highlighted the impact of the disease on the personal, social and work lives of many people, from difficulties in finding a toilet in the face of a possible state of incontinence to greater absenteeism from work in acute stages, evidence of disability”. through problems to receive letters”.
For this reason, it can be “an additional barrier” when the disease hits the educational period, Martinez pointed out. “The average age of the patient is decreasing and most are already diagnosed at around 30 years of age, which on the one hand indicates that it is being detected earlier, but in a younger population. The cases are also increasing,” he said. Outside.
According to an ACCU study, 90% of students with these disorders have absenteeism, 30% of university students with the disorder fail to complete their degrees, and more than half report problems maintaining social relationships. We do.
Campaign to highlight the importance of empathy
On the occasion of the World Day of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which is celebrated this Friday, the Association, in collaboration with the National ACCU, has launched various activities such as lighting purple official buildings, an information table next to the Pamplona City Council and the #SomosUno campaign . ,
With this initiative they want to highlight the importance of empathy and understanding with these diseases, stressing the educational sector and demanding necessary adaptations so that they have the least limitations. Similarly, the website somosuno.info has been launched. With free training on inclusive education.
The campaign features personal testimonials from students, teachers or those affected by unions to publicize the needs and obstacles they face. “We need education to be inclusive and friendly to all people with chronic illness. With everyone’s support, we will achieve change and make this a reality”, Martínez concluded.
notes
- What is inflammatory bowel disease. It is a group of chronic and inflammatory malignancies of the digestive tract (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis), which differ fundamentally in their location (colitis: only the large intestine; Crohn: any area of the digestive tract). There is no cure, although there is a wide range of therapeutic possibilities to control the disease and provide the best possible quality of life, from immunosuppressive and biologic drugs to surgery.
- What is ACCU Navarra? It is a non-profit organization that provides support to people and their families affected by inflammatory bowel disease. The association, which has 200 members and is part of COCEMFE Navarra, works to promote their personal autonomy, prevent dependency, protect their rights and promote recognition of the disease in all areas, such as newly diagnosed Services such as personal information for disabled people and families, guidance in the process of requesting recognition of a disability, activities to improve quality of life…
