Prevalence and Characteristics of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) amongst Medical Students of Gilan Northern Province of Iran

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders characterized by non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain and altered bowel habits with no known organic pathology. Its prevalence varies in different communities. We performed this study to determine the prevalence of IBS in medical students who attended Gilan University of Medical Sciences (GUMS). Methods Medical students of GUMS were studying during 2002 academic year were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Within a specifically designed schedule, trained general practitioners performed student interviews. The interviewers used a structured questionnaire based on the Rome II criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS-10 software. Results were presented as percentages and the mean±SD and level of significance was denoted as a p-value < 0.05. Results This study included 422 students, 148 (35.1%) males and 274 (64.9%) females, trained in various educational levels at GUMS whose mean age was 23.7±2.9 years. The prevalence of IBS was 12.6% (53 of 422). IBS was more prevalent in females than males [15% (41 of 274) vs. 8.1% (12 of 148); p < 0.05]. Reported a Physician 37.7% of cases visit in comparsion to 17.6% of non IBS case (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study shows a higher prevalence of IBS in medical students than in other sections of the Iranian population. A prevalence of 12.6% in medical students, who are in an active phase of life, requires careful planning to provide alleviation.