Assessing the Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Quality of Life in Patients at Family Medicine and Primary Health Care Clinics of the National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh

Abstract

Introduction Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent GI conditions, characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain relieved by defecation, changes in bowel habits (e.g., diarrhea, constipation, or both), and bloating. These symptoms can profoundly impact the quality of life (QoL) and psychological state of patients. Despite a high prevalence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, estimated at around 18.2%, there is a significant lack of studies assessing and documenting the impact of IBS on life satisfaction and the overall mental well-being of individuals within the kingdom. This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing the impact of IBS on the QoL in patients attending family medicine and primary health care clinics at National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 379 IBS patients who met the eligibility criteria participated in this cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at family medicine clinics within the National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh. Participants were selected through a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. The Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Quality of Life Measure (IBS-QOL) questionnaire was primarily used for assessment. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Results In this study, males comprised 57% of the sample, and 79% were married. Forty percent held a bachelor's degree, while 30% earned between 5,000 and 9,000 riyals a month. The QoL of these individuals was profoundly affected by IBS. They frequently reported feelings of vulnerability, isolation, depression, and helplessness due to their bowel problems. The two most common concerns were monitoring dietary intake and food choices and difficulty controlling bowels in public. The IBS-QOL measure did not significantly correlate with smoking status, and no evident gender differences were found in the emotional reactions associated with IBS. Noticeable variations in the impact of IBS-QOL among age groups were observed, but no clear pattern emerged. Conclusion This study highlights the impact of IBS on various facets of daily living, including dietary, psychological, emotional, social, and functional aspects. Recognizing these outcomes helps in developing strategies to minimize patient suffering and enhance overall satisfaction.