Objective: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in China.
Methods: Cross-sectional studies relevant to IBS conducted among Chinese were identified through the databases including PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang data and VIP. Quality of studies was assessed according to the criteria for cross-sectional studies recommended by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Analysis of data, publication bias and sensitivity were performed with Stata (Version 12.0).
Results: A total of twenty-three studies were extracted. No obvious publication bias was detected in all analysis except the effect of depression on IBS prevalence. Pooled prevalence of IBS in China was 6.5%. IBS was more common in women than in men (8.1% vs 6.8%;OR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.09-1.38) and high rate in age group between 30 to 59 years (6.9%; OR = 1.22, 95%CI 1.12-1.32) . Intestinal infection history (OR = 2.39, 95%CI 1.69-3.38), anxiety (OR = 2.95, 95%CI 1.94-4.49), depression (OR = 1.85, 95%CI 1.11-3.09), food allergy (OR = 2.80, 95%CI 2.12-3.67) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.07-1.24) might increase the risk for IBS. There were no significant difference of IBS prevalence between urban and rural areas (OR = 0.97, 95%CI 0.72-1.29) , neither in different education classes (OR = 0.85, 95%CI 0.70-1.03) . Sub-group analysis showed IBS prevalence varied apparently with different diagnostic criteria: prevalence defined by Manning was 11.8% and by RomeIIand Rome III prevalence values were 4.4% and 8.9% respectively.
Conclusions: Pooled prevalence of IBS in China was 6.5%. IBS is more common in age group between 30 to 59 years. Female, history of intestinal infection, anxiety, depression, food allergy and alcohol consumption were risk factors for IBS in Chinese population.