Determinants of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) among Adults visiting Jinnah Hospital and University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore

ABSTRACT: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder categorized with chronic and recurrent abdominal pain usually associated with disturbed defecation, altered bowel movement and often bloating for the period of at least 3 months. OBJECTIVE: To find out the determinants of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) among adults visiting Jinnah Hospital and University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. METHODS: A total of 368 patients, age ranges from 18-70 years were selected during nine months from cross sectional study. The sample was selected from Jinnah Hospital and University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. The data were collected through pretested questionnaire and analyzed through statistical software SPSS version 21.0. RESULTS: The results showed that among 368 participants, the prevalence of IBS was high 50.5% in middle class people, in lower class the prevalence was 27.7% and in upper class the prevalence of IBS was 21.7% respectively. The prevalence of IBS was high among female participants than male participants. The mean age was 34.05±10.258. It was concluded from the study that stress, depression and anxiety were considered the major determinants in developing IBS and its prevalence was high among female participants than male participants. Consumption of mithai/desserts were also associated with the symptoms of IBS and it was equally affected in both male and female participants. Family history and sleep disorders had less association with IBS. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that IBS was more prevalent in low socioeconomic status. Females were more affected from this disorder than males. The risk factors included were stress, depression, anxiety and the type of diet. Family history and sleep disorders had less association with IBS. KEYWORDS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Determinants, Adults, Socioeconomic status, Stress, Dietary pattern