Association Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Shift Work: Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Nurses

Abstract

AIM: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is commonly seen in the general population. Mechanisms proposed as the underlying pathogenesis include visceral hypersensitivity, alteration in bowel motility, psychological status and abnormal intestinal barrier. It has been observed that circadian rhythms and sleep are altered by shift work, which may ultimately increase stress and worsen health problems. The aim was to determine the prevalence of IBS among nurses and evaluate the relationship between shift work and IBS. METHOD: One hundred and twenty four nurses at different cadres volunteered to take part in the study. Questionnaires were administered to collect demographic data and all the subjects also completed the IBS module from Rome III diagnostic questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 124 female nurses participated in the study. The mean age was 38.5±7.7 years with a range between 21 and 57 years. Using Rome III criteria, irritable bowel syndrome was observed in 56 (45.2%) of the subjects. According to subtypes, diarrhoea predominant IBS (IBS-D) was observed in 30.4%, constipation predominant (IBS-C) was observed in 8.9%, while mixed subtype (IBS-M) was seen in 60.7% of the subjects. Using logistic regression analysis; age group 20-29 years, length of practice

Shiftwork, functional bowel symptoms, and the microbiome

“…IBS is estimated to have a world-wide prevalence of 10–15% ( Canavan, West & Card, 2014 ; Sperber et al, 2017 ). Prevalence rates of IBS are typically higher among nurses, with rates ranging from 17.4% in China ( Liu et al, 2014 ) to 45.2% in Nigeria ( Akere & Akande, 2014 ). The prevalence rate of IBS among study participants was 35%, quite similar to the prevalence rate reported among nurses at the University of Michigan Medical Center (36.6%) ( Nojkov et al, 2010 ).…”

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease and their manifestations among Muhimbili university of health and allied sciences staff and students: a cross sectional study

“…16 On the other hand, other studies among Nigerian medical student and nursing staff were consistency with some studies in Asia where the prevalence of IBS was as high as 26.1% and 45.2% in that order. 17,18 The pathophysiology behind a high prevalence of IBS in medical students is constant nerve-racking environment to meet deadlines, examinations anxiety, long working and studying hours and less hours of sleep. 9 Nevertheless, health care professionals are subjected to stressful environment due to the nature of the work and working environment.…”

“…22 In African studies findings were similar to Pakistan, Japan and China where IBS-M was predominant (19.6% and 60.7%). 16,18 IBS has been shown to be associated with several factors as stipulated in literature review. In this study female gender, age below 25years, alcohol intake and finalist students were independent predictors of IBS.…”

“…13 Studies in Turkey, Pakistan and Nigeria among health care professionals have displayed similar findings with studies among medical students in China where being a female was associated with IBS. 10,11,18 Evidence shows existence of CD among patients with IBS with variable burden across the globe. In this study, the prevalence of CD in patients with IBS based on the Rome IV criteria was 1.6%.…”