ERGOGENIC AID USE IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL COMFORTABILITY IN NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND There is concern for the lack of data regarding the efficacy and negative effects of ergogenic aids (sport supplements) in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This is a prospective research project designed to determine which ergogenic aids are used in pediatric and young adult populations with IBD, the reasons patients use these products, and medical professional comfortability in discussing nutritional concerns with patients. METHODS IRB approval was granted by Oregon Health and Science University prior to patient recruitment. A survey was distributed to patients with IBD, ages 10-35. Recruitment occurred through MyChart. A second survey was distributed among medical students, residents, and fully trained professionals of the gastrointestinal healthcare team (fellows, physicians, dieticians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and gastrointestinal psychologists). Recruitment occurred via email. SPSS Statistics and RedCap were utilized for chi-square tests and logistic regression in determining significance. Patients were compensated for their participation with gift cards. RESULTS Patient total was n=124; Female 46%; Male 52%; Non-binary 2.1%; Crohn’s Diagnosis 69%; Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis 31%. There was a significant difference in the number of patients who reported having used at least one ergogenic aid compared to none (n=77, 62%, p-value=<0.001). Excluding caffeine, majority of respondents utilized at least one other ergogenic aid (n=69, 56%). Specific ergogenic aid usage is detailed in Figure 1. Reasons for choosing to use ergogenic aids are detailed in Figure 2. Medical professional response total was n=157, medical students=93, residents=21, fully trained=43. Majority of medical professionals reported they had not received adequate nutritional training during their didactic curriculum (n=126, 80%) and would have preferred additional nutritional training during their didactic courses (n=135, 86%). Increased comfortability discussing nutrition with patients correlated with an increased level of professional training, p-value=<0.001. CONCLUSIONS A statistically significant majority of surveyed IBD patients reported having used ergogenic aids (62%). The most utilized ergogenic aids are detailed in Figure 1. Primary reasons for using ergogenic aids are detailed in Figure 2. Majority of medical professionals reported they had not received adequate nutritional training during their medical school curriculum and were not comfortable discussing nutrition with their patients. This study highlights the prevalence of ergogenic aid usage among pediatric and young adult IBD patients, as well as the importance of improving both IBD patient and medical professional education regarding ergogenic aid safety and effectiveness. We are currently expanding to include a control of healthy patients, ages 10-35.