The Canterbury Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study

The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are becoming more common worldwide.

The causes of IBD are not known but there is evidence that factors in the environment may interact with genetic factors to cause IBD. The Canterbury IBD study is being conducted to explore causes of IBD in Canterbury.

The aims of the study are:

· To describe IBD in the Canterbury population (eg how many people have IBD? What treatments are people taking? Is it the same here as overseas?).
· To assess risk factors for developing IBD.
· To explore genetic factors associated with IBD.
· To foster ongoing research into IBD in Canterbury.

For people with IBD, taking part in the study involves:

· Giving permission for the researchers to look at your medical notes.
· Completing a questionnaire about potential childhood risk factors.
· Having a blood test.

The study is being run by Dr Richard Gearry, a Gastroenterology doctor, who is currently doing a PhD on inflammatory bowel disease in Canterbury. The results of the study will be made available to those who take part. Dr Gearry hopes the study will lead to insights into the causes of IBD, allowing for more effective treatments in the long term.

Additionally, this research will increase the profile of these conditions in Canterbury, providing education for people with IBD, their families and the general population. For the study to be a success, Dr Gearry would like everyone in Canterbury with IBD to take part! He believes there may be over 1500 people in Canterbury with IBD.

Currently the study has 1250 participants

If you wish to take part in the study, or you are aware of somebody who may be interested, please contact

Dr Richard Gearry Inflammatory Bowel Disease Researcher Department of Gastroenterology

Phone (03) 364 1567 Christchurch Hospital
Fax (03) 364 0419 Private Bag 4710
Email richard.gearry@cdhb.govt.nz