PREVALENCE OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME AMONG SAUDI POPULATION IN KINGDOME OF SAUDI ARABIA, ALHASSA (2019)

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic intestinal syndrome, which causes abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habit. Globally the highest prevalence is in South America and the lowest is in South Africa. Exact cause is unknown. Rome III criteria is the tool of diagnosis after excluding organic causes. Objective: The study is designed to determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome amongst people in Alhassa region, Saudi Arabia.Study design: A cross-sectional studySubjects and Methods: Data was collected through electronic survey performed among Saudi population in Alhassa. Statistical analysis was computed using (SPSS). Results: The study comprised 1224 participants, females were the majority 955 (78%), age groups 18 and older. IBS was diagnosed among 438 out of 1224 participants (35.80%). Age group, stress and presence of psychiatric illness was significantly associated with irritable bowel syndrome, while living in the villages, monthly income, and sex has no significant relationship with irritable bowel syndrome.Conclusion: In this study IBS was diagnosed in 438 among 1224 participants (35.80%). The highest prevalence was among the age group from 18 to 30 (38.58%) compared to others. stress and history of psychiatric illness were the main precipitating factors of IBS. Regarding these findings awareness about stress management and psychiatric illness is recommended. Keywords: Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, prevalence, Alhassa, Saudi Arabia, KSA