Abstract
OBJECTIVESLike any other health-related disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has a differential distribution with respect to socioeconomic factors. This study aimed to estimate and decompose educational inequalities in the prevalence of IBS.METHODSSampling was performed using a multi-stage random cluster sampling approach. The data of 1,850 residents of Kish Island aged 15 years or older were included, and the determinants of IBS were identified using a generalized estimating equation regression model. The concentration index of educational inequality in cases of IBS was estimated and decomposed as the specific inequality index.RESULTSThe prevalence of IBS in this study was 21.57% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.69 to 23.44%). The concentration index of IBS was 0.20 (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.26). A multivariable regression model revealed that age, sex, level of education, marital status, anxiety, and poor general health were significant determinants of IBS. In the decomposition analysis, level of education (89.91%), age (−11.99%), and marital status (9.11%) were the three main contributors to IBS inequality. Anxiety and poor general health were the next two contributors to IBS inequality, and were responsible for more than 12% of the total observed inequality.CONCLUSIONSThe main contributors of IBS inequality were education level, age, and marital status. Given the high percentage of anxious individuals among highly educated, young, single, and divorced people, we can conclude that all contributors to IBS inequality may be partially influenced by psychological factors. Therefore, programs that promote the development of mental health to alleviate the abovementioned inequality in this population are highly warranted.
Highlights
In comparison to some other studies in Iran, this study demonstrated a higher prevalence of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [2,16]
This could be attributed to the specific conditions of life of the Kish Islanders
They implied that a vegetarian diet helped to decrease the risk of IBS in Iranian adults
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) includes a group of functional bowel disorders in which abdominal discomfort or pain is associated with defecation or a change in bowel habits, and with features. There is a well-established statistically significant heterogeneity in IBS prevalence among various regions of the world. According to a published review, the pooled regional prevalence of IBS was 17.5, 9.6, 7.1, and 5.8% in Latin America, Asia, North America/Europe/Australia/New Zealand, and the Middle East/Africa, respectively [2]. Another study reported an IBS prevalence of 10 to 15% and 5 to 10% in Western and Asian countries, respectively [3]. A systematic review reported that the prevalence of IBS ranged from 1.1 to 25% in Iran [4]. IBS has various adverse effects on a patient’s social life and work, such as increased absenteeism, reduced quality of life, and substantial medical costs [5]
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