1 research outputs found
The prevalence and risk factors of irritable bowel syndrome (PRIBS study) among adults in lowâ and middleâincome countries: A multicenter crossâsectional study
Abstract Background and Aims Because of the plenty and abundance of risk factors and the expected increase in the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the world in general and in lowâ and middleâincome countries in particular, this international crossâsectional study was conducted in 15 lowâ and middleâincome countries according to our previous protocol, NCT05340400. Methods Participants were recruited in the period from April 22, 2022 to June 14, 2022. The diagnosis of IBS was according to ROME IV. We determined the physical activity, daily stress, and fatigue of the participants. A large number of collaborators were chosen from different regions and institutions within each country to achieve diversity within the sample and reduce the probability of bias. Results The prevalence of IBS appears to be higher in lowâ and middleâincome countries (meanâ=â25.2%, range [6.2%â44.2%]) than in highâincome countries, with a higher prevalence among Africans than Caucasians and Asians. The prevalence of IBS increased in the fourth decade by 32.1% and in the fifth decade by 31.1% (pâvalueâ<â0.001). In addition to the previously known risk factors for IBS such as female sex, smoking, psychological stress, and chronic fatigue, other risk factors were discovered such as chronic diseases, including high blood pressure and diabetes, allergies to some substances, previous infection with COVIDâ19, and the participant having a firstâdegree relative with a patient. There are also some other modifiable risk factors, such as an abnormal body mass index (whether high or low), smoking, a proteinâ or fatârich diet, drinking caffeineâcontaining beverages, and poor physical activity. Conclusions Highlighting the prevalence and increasing risk factors of IBS in developing countries should draw the attention of those responsible for health care in these countries and reduce the risk factors