Author/Authors :
Khademolhosseini, Farnaz Nemazee Hospital - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Mehrabani, Davood Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Nejabat, Marzieh Nemazee Hospital - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Beheshti, Mahmood Nemazee Hospital - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Heydari, Taghi Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Mirahmadizadeh, Alireza Department of Epidemiology - School of Public Health - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Salehi, Moosa Department of Nutrition - School of Public Health - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Department of Biostatistics - School of Medicine - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Saberi-Firoozi, Mehdi Nemazee Hospital - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz
Abstract :
BACKGROUND: The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common in the general population. The aim of this
population-based study was to determine the prevalence of IBS and describe the associated factors including demographic,
life style and health-seeking behaviors in Shiraz city, southern Iran.
METHODS: From April to September 2004, 1978 subjects aged > 35 years old completed a validated and reliable questionnaire
on IBS.
RESULTS: The prevalence rate of IBS was 10.9%, higher in females, in 35-44 years old age group and among subjects
eating fast food (14.1%) but was lower in those taking more fruits and vegetables (10.5%). The occurrence of anxiety,
nightmare and restlessness was also significantly higher in subjects with IBS. It had an association with psychological
distress and recurrent headaches but not with drinking tea/coffee, smoking or physical activity.
CONCLUSIONS: In our area, IBS was correlated with gender, age, psychological distress, recurrent headaches and consumption
of fast foods that necessitate health planning programs by health policy makers.
Keywords :
Irritable Bowel Syndrome , Prevalence , Demography , Life Style , Health Behavior
