Prevalence and Indications of Irritable Bowel Syndrome among Female Medical Students of Misurata University in Misurata: Cross-sectional Study
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Abstract
Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) characterized by abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits without any specific or clear organic pathology. Therefore, IBS is diagnosed based on clinical observation and exclusion of other diseases.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of IBS among female medical students at Misurata University through a cross-sectional clinical investigation.
Materials and methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among female medical students at the medical faculties of Misurata University. A total of 210 participants were randomly selected from each faculty. Data were collected through in-person interviews. The Rome IV criteria were used for IBS diagnosis. The relationships between the various variables were analyzed.
Results: A high proportion of participants (40.5%) frequently experienced diarrhea, constipation, or both monthly. Improvements after defecation were reported by 23% of patients, changes in stool frequency by 25%, and alterations in stool form by 24.8%. Most participants struggled with stress and anorexia and lacked sufficient knowledge about the therapeutic dietary regimen for IBS. There was a significant variation in waist and neck circumference (p < 0.05), as well as a significant correlation (p ≤ 0.05) between bloating, gastrointestinal motility, family history, and health status.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence of IBS among female medical students was approximately 25% based on the Rome IV criteria of diagnosis. It also highlighted the lack of knowledge regarding symptoms, risk factors, and dietary management of IBS.
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