Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Among Students of Majmmah University, Saudi Arabia: Comparison Between Medical and Non-Medical Students

Abstract

Background and Aims: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that manifests as a chronic episode of abdominal pain accompanied by altered bowel habits. It is one of the most frequent illnesses of GIT. Medical students are more susceptible to IBS. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of IBS among medical and non-medical students at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia, to assess the association between IBS and lifestyle, and to determine the effect of IBS on the academic performance of the students. Methods: A cross-sectional study to study the prevalence of IBS was conducted. Two hundred and seventy-nine students from two medical colleges and two non-medical colleges were enrolled in the study. Data were obtained through an online questionnaire. Rome IV criteria and perceived stress scale were applied to diagnose IBS, stress, and anxiety. Results: The prevalence of IBS was found to be 17.2%. The prevalence of IBS among medical and nonmedical students was 34.4% and 13% respectively. Time to reach the university, Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), physical exercise, stress, and anxiety were found to be significantly associated with IBS. Conclusions: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is more prevalent among students of Majmaah University. IBS is more prevalent among medical students and students in the College of Medicine have the highest prevalence of IBS. IBS is associated with the time to reach the university, gender, CGPA, exercise, stress, and anxiety.