Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in an urban adult Sri Lankan population

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The community prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) globally varies from 10 to 25%. Telephone interviews have been widely used to collect data. There is limited data on community prevalence of IBS in South Asia. Objective of the study was to determine the community prevalence of IBS and its subtypes in an urban adult Sri Lankan population. METHOD: The study was conducted in the Ragama medical officer of health (MOH) area. Householders lists of 22 Grama Niladari divisions were used for balanced random sampling. Individuals aged between 18-65 years (stratified into three groups: 18-33, 34-49, 50-65) were included. A random sample of households was selected and the person who had the closest birthday was selected from each household. A telephone interview was conducted. IBS and its subtypes [constipation predominant (IBS-C), diarrhea predominant (IBS-D), mixed (IBS-M)] were defined according to Rome III criteria. RESULTS: 504/1407(35.8%) of selected households were contactable. Of 504 persons invited to participate 500(99.2%) responded [277-females, mean (SD) age: 42.37 (13.2) years]. The overall prevalence of IBS was 18/500 (3.6%) [13-males(5.83%), 5-females(1.81%); p=0.017]. There was significant difference in prevalence among age groups for males (least among 34-49 years; p=0.024) but not for females (p=0.665). Of the males with IBS, 2(15.38%), 5(38.46%) and 6(46.15%) had IBS-D, IBS-C and IBS-M, respectively. Of the females with IBS, 2 (40%), 1(20%) and 2(40%) had IBS-D, IBS-C and IBS-M, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using accepted criteria, the overall community prevalence of IBS was low in this population, with a significant male predominance, and IBS-M being the commonest subtype.