The Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and its Associated Factors Among Physicians Working at Primary Health Care Centers of Ministry of Health in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2017

Abstract

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders responsible for disability and negative economic impact. Stress had been suggested as one of its predictors, therefore, stressful occupation such as physicians are expected to be at a higher risk. Insufficient information is present for the link between working as a physician and suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Objectives of the study: To explore the prevalence and possible factors associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome among physicians working in Primary Health Care centers, Jeddah, KSA. Subjects and methods: Through a cross-section study design, 190 physicians were selected randomly from primary health care centers in Jeddah. They responded to a predesigned valid self-administered questionnaire enclosing information about the prevalence and possible factors associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Chi-square test and Binary logistic regression were used to identify factors and predictors of the syndrome among physicians. Results: Out of all sharing physicians (n=190), more than one quarter (28.4%) reported that they had been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The prevalence was significantly higher in females (35.3%) with an Odds Ratio of (OR=1.284; 95% CI= 1.084-1.521) and living in rented houses (34.7%) (OR=1.198; 95% CI= 1.001-1.435) p<0.05. Positive family history and exposure to any kind of stress at work were significantly prevalent among cases (94.4%). Also, overweight and obesity (51.9% and 20.4% respectively) and food sensitivity (24.1%) were significantly much frequent among physicians with the syndrome. Logistic regression revealed that stress, positive family history, and high BMI are significant predictors for IBS. Conclusion and recommendations: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is prevalent among physicians in primary health care centers. Its prevalence is significantly higher among females, those who are living in rented houses, who are exposed to any kind of stress at work, who have a positive family history of IBS, with higher BMI values and have a food sensitivity. Further researches are needed to analyze types and sources of work stress in an attempt to plan for ameliorating stress and its consequences in physicians.