Prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and preventive behaviours of Saudi university students with symptomatic undiagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and preventive behaviours towards symptomatic undiagnosed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Saudi university students. In addition, this study also aimed to determine the factors that influence Saudi university students’ practice of preventive behaviours against IBS symptoms. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was carried out to assess the prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and preventive behaviours of a group of Saudi university students with symptomatic undiagnosed irritable bowel syndrome in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2021 to 2022. The sample size included 384 Saudi university students of both genders aged 18-30 years old. Results: Among 384 Saudi university students, the prevalence rate of IBS, according to the Rome IV criteria used in this study, was statistically significant with a percentage of (39.6%). 152 symptomatic undiagnosed IBS Saudi university students were identified, with the majority female with a percentage of (53.9%) (82) compared to (44.3%) (70) symptomatic male counterparts. Conclusion: Irritable bowel syndrome is a prevalent, chronic gastrointestinal disorder, it affects patients’ quality of life and has a significant adverse effect and impacts on work, lifestyle and social well-being. The prevalence among our targeted sample according to IBS Rome IV diagnostic criteria was (39.6%) 152. Therefore, screening of IBS is recommended. Keywords: IBS, Saudi University students, Symptomatic patients, Undiagnosed, Stress.