Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and associated factors in intern doctors at a state university in western black sea, Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive disorder that affects medical students at a higher rate than the general population. Intern doctors are the most affected class by IBS among medical students. Determining the prevalence of IBS and associated risk factors is essential for taking preventive measures. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of IBS among intern doctors in this study. This study was conducted using an online survey for intern doctors in the 2021-2022 academic year. Rome IV criteria were utilized for IBS diagnosis. Anxiety and depression scores were calculated according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The prevalence of IBS in the 249 participants was 31.7% included in this study. 32.1% of all participants had depression, 44.2% had anxiety, 65.1% had sleep disorders, 73.1% had MSE (medical specialty exam) anxiety, and 96% were concerned about carrying out the medical profession after graduating from university. Female gender (p<0.001), using regular medication (p=0.019), not exercising regularly (p=0.002), sleep disturbance (p<0.001), food hypersensitivity (p=0.001), having a history of severe acute gastroenteritis (AGE) before IBS symptoms started (p<0.001), IBS in first-degree relatives (p<0.001), be low income (p<0.001), having a divorced parent (p=0.008), not having siblings (p=0.002), severe emotional stress history in the last six months (p=0.004), having depression (p<0.001), having anxiety (p<0.001), and MSE anxiety (p<0.001) identified as risk factors associated with IBS. The multivariant analysis determined independent risk factors affecting the prevalence of IBS in intern doctors as female gender, depression, anxiety, and severe AGE history before IBS symptoms started. In this study, it was determined that approximately one-third of the interns were diagnosed with IBS. Stress management training can be considered to screen this group for IBS and psychological problems and to help them cope with these stressors.