Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Among Teachers in Abha City; Saudi Arabia

Background: The Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is part of the larger group of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders that despite differences in location and symptom patterns, share common features with regard to their motor and sensory physiology, central nervous system (CNS) relationships, and the approach to patient care. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of IBS among teachers in Abha city. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional survey approach was used for conducting the current research including teachers working in different schools. Data were collected from teachers using a pre-structured self-administered questionnaire by the researchers. Data collected covered teachers socio-demographic data, work related data including work years and work load, and their family history of IBS. Teachers’ classification for being IBS positive or IBS negative cases was detected using ROME criteria. Results: The research included 578 teachers, 55.9% of them were females and 75.6% were married. IBS was recorded among 35.5% of the teachers. IBS was more recorded among females than males. Logistic regression model included all teachers’ demographic and work data among which gender, income, chronic health problems, and work load were found to be statistically significant predictors for IBS status. Conclusions & recommendations: In conclusion, the study revealed that about one third of the teachers had IBS. IBS subtype M was the most frequent, especially among females with high income and high work load.