The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome among Saudi population in Riyadh by use of Rome IV criteria and self-reported dietary restriction

Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder. Diet may play a role in triggering the symptoms. We aimed to measure the prevalence of IBS and its types, and its association with food restrictions among the Saudi population, using the Rome IV criteria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient clinics of three major hospitals in Riyadh in conjunction with an electronic survey which was shared on social media. A total of 1,319 subjects (706 males and 613 females) completed a questionnaire of four domains (sociodemography, Rome IV, food restriction, and herbs) between Nov 2019 and February 2020. Convenience sampling was used. Results: IBS was diagnosed in 104 subjects (7.9%) and, of these, 52% were IBS-M (mixed) type. The prevalence was higher in women than in men (4.9% vs. 3.0%; P = 0.006). A significant association was found between the presence of IBS symptoms and low income ( P = 0.010), and not working ( P < 0.0001). Most of the IBS patients showed food restriction related to milk ( P < 0.0001) and legumes ( P = 0.0029), besides other types of food and drinks. Conclusions: IBS is less common among the Saudi population. A female gender, low family income, and working status, have the highest association with IBS. The foods most often restricted were legumes and milk. Future community studies may present an opportunity to relate with cultural differences and food preferences.

The irritable bowel syndrome among adults in Qatif, Saudi Arabia: prevalence and impact on health-related quality of life, by gender and age

“…This result is inconsistent with the findings of a previous meta-analysis that did not find a statistically significant association between age and IBS 3 and is inconsistent with the Saudi study. 12 Most of the IBS prevalence in the present study were old adults participants, between the ages of 60 and 80, which is inconsistent with the reported literature, 24,25 but consisted of systematic national health surveys data from six large studies including (4.7 million people) conducted in the United States. 26 This study indicates conclusively that participants with IBS had a significantly poorer HRQoL than non-IBS based on age and gender.…”

Irritable bowel syndrome in adults: Prevalence and risk factors

“…More than half of patients report that their symptoms are linked to their food intake, according to a recent study [ 27 ]. It's been shown in numerous research that certain foods can cause symptoms [ 28 ], such as spicy or fried food, milk and coffee in particular. Our findings are also in line with recent studies, which found that patients with IBS limited their intake of milk and spicy foods.…”

Association Between Psychological Upset and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Nursing Students at Ksa

“…IBS creates an incredible cost for both patients and the health care system [10,11]. It is one of the commonest disorders diagnosed by gastroenterologists [12]. There is a large part of the population suffering from IBS while only some seek health care in the absence of curative therapy.…”