Prevalence and impact of self-reported irritable bowel symptoms in the general population. Issue 2 (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van den Houte, K; Carbone, F; Pannemans, J; Corsetti, M; Fischler, B; Piessevaux, H; Tack, J
• Is Part Of: United European Gastroenterology journal. Volume 7:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 307
• Page End: 315
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- health care resource utilization -- irritable bowel syndrome -- medication use -- sick leave; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1177/2050640618821804
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-6406

Abstract

Background and aims: The symptom-based diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have recently been revised in the Rome IV consensus. On the other hand, with rising public awareness of IBS, self-diagnosis and self-management is also increasing. We compared the prevalence and impact of Rome IV-based IBS vs self-diagnosed IBS in the general population. Methods: An internet panel filled out an online survey on bowel symptoms and their impact on health care utilization and daily activities. Results: A representative internet panel of 1012 individuals completed the online survey. Bowel symptoms were present in 68.6% of the population. Of these, 21% consulted a physician for these symptoms in the last year and 42% earlier. Rome IV IBS criteria were fulfilled by 5.5%, and these were younger and more likely to be female. In this subset, 37% had consulted a physician for IBS symptoms in the preceding year and 29% had done so earlier. A colonoscopy had been performed in 22%. Based on a brief description, 17.6% of the population self-identified as suffering from IBS ( p < 0.001 compared to Rome IV IBS prevalence), and these were more likely to be female. Concordance with the Rome IV criteria was only 25%, but except for a lower reporting of pain, the symptom pattern, severity, impact on daily life, inability to work and health care utilization were similar to the Rome IV group. A total of 134 days of absence from work were attributed to bowel symptoms in those self-reporting with IBS. Conclusion: In the general population, bowel symptoms are highly prevalent, and the self-reported "IBS" is three times more prevalent than according to Rome IV criteria. Self-reported IBS is associated with a similar impact on health care utilization and quality of life but a higher impact on absence from work.