Prevalence and demographics of irritable bowel syndrome
results from a large web-based survey
- ANDREWS, E. B.
- EATON, S. C.
- HOLLIS, K. A.
- HOPKINS, J. S.
- AMEEN, V.
- HAMM, L. R.
- COOK, S. F.
- TENNIS, P.
- MANGEL, A. W.
SUMMARY
Background
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder, and its prevalence and demographics have been evaluated by different methodologies with varying results.
Aim
To evaluate irritable bowel syndrome demographic and prevalence characteristics utilizing a web-enabled panel.
Methods
From an existing 150 000-member panel, 31 829 individuals were randomly selected and sent screening questionnaires to evaluate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Individuals who agreed to participate and completed the screening questionnaire received a second questionnaire related to a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, a more detailed symptom description, and additional burden of illness data.
Results
Irritable bowel syndrome prevalence was 7%. Prevalence was higher in women vs. men, unmarried individuals vs. married individuals and unemployed individuals vs. employed individuals. Of those completing the second questionnaire, 51% had seen their physicians for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in the past year and most had an episode within the past 3 months. During the past year, approximately half of the participants had used a prescription medication, and over 90% had used an over-the-counter medication for irritable bowel syndrome. Participants with irritable bowel syndrome demonstrated quality-of-life reductions relative to norms of the United States population.
Conclusions
Web-enabled data collection represents a novel tool for rapidly surveying a large population of individuals with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.