Author/Authors :
Okeke, Edith N. University of Jos - Faculty of Medical Sciences, Jos University Teaching Hospital - Department of Medicine, Nigeria , Ladep, Nimzing G. University of Jos - Faculty of Medical Sciences - Department of Medicine, Nigeria , Adah, Steven University of Jos - Faculty of Medical Sciences - Department of Community Medicine, Nigeria , Bupwatda, Pokop W. University of Jos - Faculty of Medical Sciences - Department of Community Medicine, Nigeria , Agaba, Emmanuel I. University of Jos - Faculty of Medical Sciences - Department of Medicine, Nigeria , Malu, Abraham O. University of Jos - Faculty of Medical Sciences - Department of Medicine, Nigeria
Abstract :
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been reported to be common in the West. Community surveys are lacking in the African setting. We determined the prevalence of IBS in a rural community setting in Nigeria. Method: Questionnaires were administered to consenting individuals. Subjects satisfying the Rome II criteria for IBS were invited for physical examination at a health center to identify the presence of “alarm factors.” Results: One hundred forty (31.6%) of the 443 evaluated individuals fulfilled the Rome II criteria for IBS, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.37:1 (P= .11). The prevalence of IBS was highest (39.3%) in the third decade, followed by 25% in the fourth decade (P= .009). Ninety-six (67%) IBS individuals had the alternating pattern of diarrhea and constipation, whereas 28 (20%) and 19 (13%) had constipation and diarrhea subtypes, respectively. Conclusion: IBS as diagnosed by the Rome II criteria has a high prevalence in the African rural population, as obtained elsewhere.
