Canterbury’s rate of inflammatory bowel disease has climbed to a record level in Oceania, with new research documenting 671 cases per 100,000 residents. The University of Otago Christchurch study cites more than 4,000 cases across the region.
Rising Prevalence Puts Pressure on Health Services
The study links the rise in IBD prevalence to both earlier detection and improved survival. “Although the number of new cases is not rising as quickly as in the past, people are living longer with the disease,” the study notes. The growing number of long-term patients is placing increased strain on local health systems and triggering calls for a national response.
Identify Who Is Most Affected by IBD
The report reveals that as of early 2024, 4,042 individuals in Canterbury have been diagnosed with IBD, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and rarer forms not categorised within the two.
Crohn’s disease currently outpaces ulcerative colitis in terms of frequency, a trend consistent with international patterns of rising Crohn’s diagnoses among younger populations. Youth and older adults are disproportionately affected.
The study identified 155 Crohn’s diagnoses in individuals under 20 years old, with the most common age of diagnosis being 12. Meanwhile, the ageing population is also bearing the brunt: 21% of patients are over 65, with this age group facing the highest disease rate at 845 per 100,000.
Daily Challenges for IBD Patients
“Individuals with IBD deal with chronic inflammation in their guts, making them face pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss,” the study explains. Many patients have been managing the illness for over a decade. While medications and surgeries provide relief, there is currently no cure.
Track Ethnic and Lifestyle Shifts in Disease Patterns
More than 90% of inflammatory bowel disease cases in Canterbury are among New Zealand Europeans; rising rates have also been observed among Māori and Pacific peoples. Researchers speculate this could reflect “changes in eating habits, lifestyle, or a higher likelihood of utilising health services.”
Assess Healthcare Infrastructure Under Strain
Caring for people with IBD involves frequent medical oversight and high treatment costs. Patients typically require ongoing specialist care and repeated hospital admissions. The economic burden on an already stretched public health system continues to grow, with case numbers rising.
Close National Gaps in Coordination and Data
The absence of a national registry for IBD in New Zealand makes long-term strategy development more difficult. Regional studies, researchers argue, provide crucial insight. “The research is important in creating an understanding of the changing footprint of the disease,” the study states.
Without consistent national data collection, healthcare providers may struggle to respond effectively to rising case numbers.
IBD is becoming more prevalent in Canterbury, with both younger and older residents affected. The findings present challenges for healthcare planning and education that may soon extend beyond the region. Without action, the current pattern could reflect a developing national issue.