P1226Attitudes and knowledge towards LGBTQIA+ adolescents and young adults among Italian IBD health-care providers: a national SIGENP-IG-IBD conjoint survey

Background Discrimination in healthcare harms LGBTQIA+ outcomes. With 16% of Italian Gen-Z identifying as LGBTQIA+, this study examines knowledge gaps in LGBTQIA+-inclusive IBD care for adolescents and young adults (AYA). Methods A 54-item anonymous, web-based survey was distributed via email to members of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology (SIGENP) and the Italian Group for IBD (IG-IBD), targeting HCPs caring for adolescents and young adults (AYA) (aged 10–25). The survey, conducted between April 4 and June 6, 2025, explored demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers to care. Results Among 132 respondents (median age 43, 67% female; see table 1), 37% were pediatricians and 56% adult gastroenterologists. Respondents demographic characteristics are listed in table 1. While only 49% reported caring for at least one LGBTQIA+ AYA patient, 88% felt comfortable providing care. However, 53% felt only minimally or not at all knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ health needs—more commonly reported by pediatricians (67%) than adult gastroenterologists (38%, p = 0.001). Similarly, confidence in discussing these needs was lower among pediatricians (50%) compared to adult gastroenterologists (76.5%; p=0.003). The presence of parents/caregivers (56%) and fear of making patients uncomfortable (45%), where listed as the main barriers to discussing identity, while those to coming out where, caregiver presence (54%) and fear of HCP judgment (45%) . 11.2% believed LGBTQIA+ AYA with IBD receive poorer care. While 31% of respondents did not believe IBD has a greater impact on the sexual health of LGBTQIA+ AYA, 86% agreed that perianal, vulvar, or rectal involvement has a more significant impact on this population. Despite 85% of respondents reporting no formal training on LGBTQIA+ health, most expressed strong interest in receiving it, prioritizing communication (79%), health needs (76%), and psychological support (65%). Conclusion Healthcare providers—particularly pediatricians—acknowledge limited knowledge regarding the care of LGBTQIA+ AYA with IBD and express a clear need for targeted training. Inclusive, competency-based education could help address these gaps and promote more equitable care. Conflict of interest: Dr. D’Arcangelo, Giulia: No conflict of interest Privitera, Giuseppe: Consultant fee from Johnson & Johnson Bramuzzo, Matteo: No conflict of interest Fantini, Massimo Claudio: MCF has acted as a consultant for: AbbVie, AlfaSigma, Celgene, Celltrion, Gilead, Pfizer, MSD, Bristol-Meyer, Takeda, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Galapagos, Biogen, Sandoz, Eli-Lilly, Lionhealth, Teva, Giuliani, Dr Falk Pharma, Sanofi he has received financial support for research from Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer. Festa, Stefano: Personal Fees: Consultant and/or Advisory board member for: Takeda, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Galapagos, Abbvie, Ferring, Eli Lilly Pugliese, Daniela: Consultant/Lectures fees from: AbbVie, Takeda, Johnson, Pfizer, Alfasigma, MSD, Lilly, Celltrion. Romano, Claudio: No conflict of interest Aloi, Marina: Personal Fees: AbbVie Pfizer Dicofarm