The Silent Face of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Mixed Method Study on Knowledge and Attitudes of Young Adults

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition with increasing prevalence worldwide, particularly among young adults, profoundly affecting individuals' social lives, psychological well-being, and labor force participation. Lack of knowledge about these diseases in society leads to stigmatization of patients and disruptions in treatment processes. The attitudes of university students, who are the professionals of the future, are critical for building a more inclusive society. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess university students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding inflammatory bowel diseases and to evaluate their level of awareness on this subject from the perspective of different academic disciplines. Methods: The study adopted a mixed-methods research design using both quantitative and qualitative data. The study sample comprised 461 students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 students. Research data were collected between June 1, 2025, and August 1, 2025. Data were collected using the Participant Information Form and the Semi-structured Interview Form. Quantitative data were evaluated using frequency, percentage distribution, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation values, as well as binary and multiple group comparisons. Qualitative data were evaluated using the inductive approach method. Results: Participants' knowledge about the etiology of IBD showed significant differences depending on their field of study. Nursing students more frequently identified immune system disorders and genetics as the main causes (p < .001), while students from non-health fields showed a higher level of uncertainty. A similar trend was observed in the identification of symptoms; fatigue, abdominal pain, and bloody stools were more accurately recognized by students in the health field (p < .001). Nursing students were found to be more willing to participate in IBD awareness campaigns than students from other departments (p < .001). A significant social distance was revealed, with 29.8% of students from non-health-related departments stating that they felt uncomfortable sharing a classroom with someone diagnosed with IBD. When participants' individual interpretations of IBD were evaluated, the themes of “Emotional and Psychological Burden,” “Social and Life Restrictions,” and “Coping and Acceptance” came to the fore. Conclusion: The study shows that attitudes toward IBH vary significantly depending on the discipline in which education is received. While nursing students' high level of advocacy reflects the positive impact of professional education, the finding of social distance in non-health fields highlights the need for community-based education. Awareness programs and digital educational tools to be included in university curricula are thought to both fill clinical knowledge gaps and reduce the social stigma experienced by patients. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.