Facts

Contact person:
Josephine Ingridsdotter
Financer:
  • Malmö universitet
Responsible at MaU:
Vedrana Vejzovic
Project members at MaU:
External project members:
  • Klas Sjöberg Lunds universitet
Time frame:
02 September 2024 - 03 September 2029
Faculty/department:
Research environment :
Research subject:

About the project

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic condition marked by recurring inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Common among young adults, IBD severely impacts quality of life due to symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and digestive issues, often accompanied by psychological distress and reduced social and sexual well-being. Although its causes are not fully understood, diet is increasingly recognised as an influential factor. Western dietary patterns may worsen IBD, while certain diets show potential for symptom relief and improved quality of life. However, evidence remains limited, especially among adults. The doctoral project is being conducted as part of the research platform "Being Young and Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)".

The role of diet in the management of IBD

The aim of this project is to deepen the understanding of how diet can be used as an intervention for young adults (aged 18–35) with IBD, and how this, in turn, may influence physical activity levels, quality of life, and psychosexual health. By exploring the role of diet in the management of IBD, the project seeks to generate new insights into how symptoms can be alleviated and overall well-being improved.

The project consists of four sub-studies, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

  • The first sub-study is a scoping review that maps existing dietary interventions for CD and UC.
  • Sub-studies 2 to 4 are based on a prospective dietary intervention carried out in collaboration with several partners. These studies will evaluate effects on disease activity, nutritional status, physical activity, quality of life, and psychosexual health.
  • Sub-studies 2 and 3 employ quantitative methods, while sub-study 4 adopts a qualitative approach.