N18 Exploring the experiences of UK-dwelling Bangladeshi native language-speaking patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: preliminary findings from a qualitative study

Abstract Background Native language-speaking patients with IBD may be underserved by an Anglo-centric delivery of healthcare in multicultural communities. We explored experiences Bangladeshi living the UK whose preferred languages were Bengali or Sylheti. Methods aged 18 years+, confirmed diagnosis Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, who fully mostly spoke Sylheti, recruited from infusion clinics. Semi-structured individual phone interviews a bilingual researcher (captured February-May 2021) audio-recorded, translated and transcribed professionally, analysed thematically. Results The eight participants 34-52 years; 4 (50%) females; disease (n=3), colitis (n=5). They no English (n=2), Standard (n=8), and/or Sylheti (n=6); they could read some (n=5), only neither (n=1). Four early themes emerged: impact socioeconomic factors: Health inequalities pervaded participants’ experiences. lived deprived London borough multiple occupancy multi-generational households, often just one toilet. Those on low incomes had limited access to health-maintaining resources such as diet medications. importance understanding being understood their native language: Issues translation health information interpretation settings reported. Participants struggled explain concerns about clinicians; having clinician position enabled needs better addressed. Understanding condition its chronic nature: Few good lay did not comprehend why it was ‘being managed rather than cured’ clinicians. Some distrusted Western medicine, believing that treatment would better, curative, country. Family, friends, wider community understand effects. Day-to-day self-management experienced burden: Self-management tasks impinged day-to-day activities, disrupting cultural religious pursuits. Toileting, food practices medication management all impacted negatively personal family social relationships events, ability work. Conclusion Wider factors preceded affected participant’s self-manage condition. Language barriers fostered poor nature. Improved assistance, alongside community-based initiatives ameliorate improve resources, benefit this community.