Influence of gender and psychosocial parameters on the quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Objective To investigate the influence of gender and psychosocial parameters on the quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). Methods Out-patients from Jan to Oct 2008 in the Department of Gastroenterology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled. Based on Rome teria IBS was diagnosed. Interviewed by a GI physician with questionnaire of demographic data,Zung self-rating anxiety and depression scale(SAS/SDS) and IBS-specific quality of life(IBS-QOL) questionnaire. Results 452 patients were diagnosed as IBS according to Rome Ⅲ criteria. IBS was more common in female. In male, anxiety and depression scales were significantly increased( t =7. 191、6. 459 ,P ＜ 0. 01 ) and the scale of IBS-QOL was significantly decreased ( t =9.119, P ＜ 0.01 ) in female IBS patients. In IBS patients, IBS-QOL scales were negatively associated with the anxiety and depression scales(P ＜0. 01 ). Conclusion These results suggest that there were gender differences in psychological status and quality of life in IBS patients,and difference psychological status based on gender should influence the quality of life of patients with IBS. Key words: Irritable bowel syndrome; Gender; Psychology; Quality of life