Aims: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by impaired gut-brain interaction. Considering the paucity of evidence in the Indian setting, the current study was conducted to determine the sociodemographics, clinical profiles, management practices, and patients' perception among newly diagnosed patients with IBS.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional, single-visit, observational, non-interventional, epidemiological study conducted across 12 centres. The primary objective was evaluation of sociodemographic and clinical profiles. The key secondary objective was assessment of gastrointestinal symptom severity including evaluation of anxiety and depression using the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) scores. Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) were evaluated as an exploratory objective.
Results: Out of 300 enrolled patients, 120 (40%) were aged 31-45 years (mean age: 38.55±12.45 years), and 204 were men (68%). Overall, 40% of patients belonged to the upper-middle-class, with a Kuppuswamy score of 16-25. Most patients (91%) did not work in night shifts. Only 13% of patients performed more than recommended physical activity. Stress and food were the leading triggers for IBS (29%). Abdominal pain and diarrhoea as cardinal symptoms were reported by 43.3% and 33.0% patients, respectively. Borderline abnormal anxiety and depression were reported by 21.3% and 26.7% of patients, respectively. KAP assessment revealed that 56.0% of patients had poor knowledge, 26.3% had moderate knowledge, and 17.7% had good knowledge about IBS; nevertheless, 43% of patients maintained high levels of precaution towards managing symptoms.
Conclusion: Given the limited knowledge about IBS in India among newly diagnosed patients, strategies to enhance awareness about the condition are warranted.
© Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2011.