Affiliation:
1. Departamento de Fisiología y Motilidad Digestiva, Instituto de Investigaciones Médico‐Biológicas Universidad Veracruzana Veracruz Mexico
2. Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas Universidad Veracruzana Veracruz Mexico
3. Servicio de Gastroenterología y Hepatología Hospital General de México “Eduardo Liceaga” Mexico City Mexico
4. Departamento de Gastroenterología Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán Mexico City Mexico
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to the development of gastrointestinal disorders during adulthood, but there is limited research on the prevalence of ACEs in Latin American populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of ACEs on Mexican adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, we recruited 290 Mexican adults (aged 18–65), including 90 individuals with IBS and 200 healthy controls. All participants completed four self‐reported questionnaires: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEs), Visceral Sensitivity Index, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Statistical analyses included mean differences using either the Student's t‐test or the Wilcoxon test, correlations assessed with Spearman's correlation coefficient, and logistic regression models. Statistical significance was defined as a p‐value less than 0.05.Key ResultsAmong IBS subjects, the prevalence of ACEs was 80%, significantly higher than the 59% prevalence observed in controls (p < 0.0001). Individuals with ACEs exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Seventy‐five percent of IBS subjects with severe symptoms reported four or more ACEs. The presence of four or more ACEs was found to be associated with an increased risk of IBS.Conclusions and InferencesACEs are notably prevalent among Mexican individuals with IBS and are positively correlated with the severity of gastrointestinal pain. These findings underscore the critical significance of evaluating and addressing ACEs in the comprehensive management of IBS within Latin American populations.
Subject
Gastroenterology,Endocrine and Autonomic Systems,Physiology