IDDF2019-ABS-0260 Study of consumption of spicy foods and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in darbhanga district, bihar, india

Abstract

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is considered to be prevalent in the general population, but there are little data on bowel habits and IBS in India. To study and explore the association between the consumption of Indian spicy foods and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome among Indian adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data from 7468 Indian adult participants were used in Darbhanga district, Bihar, India. Consumption of spicy foods was estimated using a dietary habits questionnaire that included a question on spicy foods consumption: ‘how frequently do you use spicy foods (pepper, curry, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric) during a week?’ Participants could respond to the question by choosing one of these choices: never, 1–3 times, 4–6 times, 7–9 times, or more than 10 times per week. A modified Persian version of the Rome III questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of IBS. Results IBS was prevalent in 28.4% (26.6% of men and 32.1% of women) of the study population. After controlling for potential confounders including dietary behaviors, those consuming spicy foods ≥10 times per week were 92% more likely to have IBS compared with those who never consumed spicy foods (OR = 1.92; 95%CI: 1.23–3.01, P trend Conclusions Consumption of Indian spicy foods is directly associated with IBS, particularly in women. Further, prospective studies are warranted to examine this association in other populations; and evaluate whether dietary interventions, for example, a reduction in spice consumption, would improve IBS symptoms.