Author/Authors :
Adibi, Peyman Integrative Functional Gastroenterology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, , Hassanzadeh Keshteli, Ammar Integrative Functional Gastroenterology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, , Esmaillzadeh, Ahmad Food Security Research Center and Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, , Afshar, Hamid Psychosomatic Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, , Roohafza, Hamidreza Psychosomatic Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, , Bagherian-Sararoudi, Reza Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan , Daghaghzadeh, Hamed Integrative Functional Gastroenterology Research Center and Psychosomatic Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, , Soltanian, Nouroddin Integrative Functional Gastroenterology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, , Feinle-Bisset, Christine University of Adelaide, Discipline of Medicine, Adelaide, Australia. , Boyce, Philip Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Sydney and Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia , Talley, Nicholas Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States and Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Abstract :
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common worldwide and cause considerable social and economic
burden. The aims of SEPAHAN project were to 1) assess the prevalence of different FGIDs within an Iranian population, 2) investigate
the relationship of FGIDs and their symptoms with lifestyle and nutritional factors, and 3) investigate the relationship of
FGIDs and their symptoms with psychological factors. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study among staff of Isfahan University
of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences (Isfahan, Iran) and consisted of two main phases. In the first phase, a detailed dietary questionnaire
was used to assess dietary habits and usual dietary intakes. Other lifestyle factors were investigated using appropriate questionnaires.
In the second phase, the epidemiology of different FGIDs was determined using Rome III criteria. In addition, different
psychological assessment tools were used to screen for anxiety, depression, psychological distress, coping styles, stressful life
events, personality trait, and level of social support. Self-administered questionnaires were used in this study. RESULTS: In the first
and second phases of the study, 8691 and 6239 adults were recruited, respectively. The complete information of 4763 subjects has
been provided after linking the questionnaires from both phases. CONCLUSIONS: SEPAHAN project is a novel study that provides
the opportunity of investigating epidemiological aspects of FGIDs and their relationship with different lifestyle and psychological
factors.
