Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS and Its Risk Factors among Medical Students in Hail University
Abstract
The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) incidence and its related risk factors greatly vary among communities. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome IBS and modifiable risk factors amongst medical students at the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia. The Methodology of the study involved a cross-sectional examination performed at Ha’il University, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, during the period from November 2021 to February 2022. About 308 medical students were included in this study. About 21.5% of the participants were previously diagnosed with IBS and 23.9% of the contributors were found to fit Rome IV criteria for IBS diagnosis. Regarding modifiable risk factors, around 63.9% were detected with stress and 63.6% claimed lack of exercise. IBS prevalence amongst medical students at the University of Ha'il was among the relatively higher rates, locally and globally. Stress and physical inactivity were the most modifiable risk factors in this study population.
