Stress and a sedentary lifestyle are associated with irritable bowel syndrome in medical students from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition presented by abdominal discomfort due to unknown cause. The prevalence of IBS in the world extends between 5.7% to 34%, with different ranges based on the tools used for diagnosis. Evidence has indicated genetic predisposition and psychosocial stress as risk factors. This study aims to assess the prevalence of IBS with its subtypes in undergraduate medical students using Rome III criteria. We also investigated the association of IBS and emotional disorders including stress among undergraduate medical students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in January and February 2021 among undergraduate medical students in Saudi Arabia. Volunteer participants answered the questions relating to demographics and surveys containing the Rome III criteria and the Self-reported Stress questionnaire. Results: A total of 300 participants were recruited of whom 63.7% were females. The majority of the participants were aged more than 22 years (72.7%). IBS prevalence in undergraduate medical students was 49.3% in Saudi Arabia which was higher than the global prevalence of IBS. There are many associated factors with IBS including female gender, higher academic year, sleeping less than 6 hours and less exercise practicing. Conclusion: Higher prevalence of IBS was detected in undergraduate medical students in Saudi Arabia than worldwide prevalence. Female gender, higher academic grades, less exercise practicing and sleep disturbance were predictors for IBS. More screening and management of stress causes are needed to decrease medical field stressors. Key words: Irritable bowel syndrome, medical students, stress, sedentary lifestyle