Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary, and healthcare utilization factors associated with disease severity in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted via web-based survey from January 2025 to October 2025 among adults aged ≥18 years, who had CD diagnosed in Saudi Arabia, recruited by the snowball sampling technique. Demographic, disease complication, dietary habits, stress level, hygiene, and lifestyle data were assessed using a structured, validated questionnaire. After conducting a pilot study, a total of 219 subjects were included.
Results: The majority of participants had moderate disease (60.7%), followed by mild (21.9%) and severe disease (17.4%). Severity of disease was significantly associated with being female, older age (>45 years), older age at time of diagnosis, non-Saudi nationality, and lower socioeconomic status. Severe cases were more likely to have comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes. Diets classified as high-fat, one of the most dangerous diets, along with one defined by excessive sugar and processed foods, were strongly associated with increased disease severity, whereas balanced dietary patterns were more frequent in milder cases. Complications of disease, such as the development of strictures, involvement of the ileum, and extra-intestinal manifestations, were more prevalent in severe cases.
Conclusion: There were several sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors associated with disease severity in CD. Targeted vigilance and responsive adjustment of risk factors might improve patient outcomes.

Key words: Crohn’s disease, disease severity, dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, Saudi Arabia