Irritable Bowel Syndrome in General Population of Cotonou: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Abstract

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a known public health burden in western countries while only a few studies have been published on this disease in Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of IBS in the general adult population of Cotonou (Benin), its associated risk factors and its impact on patients’ daily life. Method: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted over one month. Data was collected via a questionnaire. IBS was defined by the Rome IV criteria. Results: A total of 768 participants were included, with a male predominance (sex ratio 1.8). The mean age of the participants was 30.6 years, with extremes of 15 to 76 years. The prevalence of IBS in our study was 4.2%. IBS-D was the most common subtype (34.4%). IBS symptoms were influenced by diet (46.9%), stress (31.3%) and lack of sleep (15.6%). In the univariate analysis, the risk factors associated with IBS were: Dendi and Otamari ethnicity (p = 0.015), low level of education (p = 0.047), family history of IBS (p = 0.026), smoking (p < 0.001), high-salt diet (p = 0.001), high-fat diet (p = 0.044), stress (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, male gender (p = 0.047), regular physical activity and good sleep quality were protective factors. IBS led to daily gurgling (31.3%), absenteeism (25%) and impacted the subjects’ professional life in 28.1% of the cases. Conclusion: Despite IBS frequency, patients with IBS rarely seek medical attention. The public should therefore be informed about this condition to reduce its impact on their daily life.