Effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) on the health-related quality of Life among Saudi Males at Al-Jouf, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, it is characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal discomfort which may improve with defecation. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess and evaluate the effect of IBS on the HR-QoL among Saudi population at Al Jouf region (Northern Saudi Arabia) by using generic Arabic translated questionnaires. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional survey study in which 70 patients were enrolled in the investigation (all men, aged 20±4 years .All participants met the Rome criteria-II for IBS. Furthermore, data were collected via structured questionnaires (25-IBSQoL). Results: The results showed that 63% of the study population consent that IBS is a health concern; whilst 55% agreed that IBS restricted their activities and social life. Furthermore, 40% agreed that IBS affecting their emotional mode. Equally important, 69.1% agreed that IBS restrict their food and diet interest and 34.6% of the study population agreed that their sexual life is affected by IBS. Conclusion: IBS is negatively affecting the quality of life of the study population. It constitutes to remain a health concern for them restricting their diet interests and badly affecting their social life. Hence, participants seem to be lacking knowledge and are unaware of their condition. Therefore, we recommend the health authorities to launch an awareness-raising campaign and an initiative program towards community awareness of this disease.