Epidemiological characteristics of a population visiting a patient-centered informative website about irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Background and aims: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder characterized by abdominal pain and an altered bowel habit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of a population visiting a patient-centered informative website about IBS. Methods: Five digital surveys were used to assess the Rome IV criteria, red flag symptoms, healthcare use, psychological comorbidities, quality of life, symptom severity, diet, physical activity. Patients were divided into a Rome positive and negative population with the Rome positive population being further subtyped based on dominant stool pattern. Results: Red flag symptoms (42%) and comorbid psychological disorders (65% anxiety and 39% depression) were common. Despite consulting health care professionals and therapy, most patients (96%) still experienced moderate to severe symptoms with an average impact on quality of life. 73% performed regular physical exercise and 25% of the Rome positive population followed the FODMAP diet. Almost all participants consulted a health care professional at one point in time and used some form of therapy. 54% of the patients believed there is generally sufficient information available and 57% thinks that their physician takes IBS seriously. However, only 41% thinks that their physician has sufficient knowledge about IBS. Conclusions: This study underlines the importance of a thorough characterization of IBS patients. Furthermore, patients expressed an urgent need for high quality information and education for both health care professionals and patients.

Essential reading from the editor’s desk

“…In this first issue of 2023, several manuscripts should catch your attention. Kathleen Van Malderen and colleagues from the team led by Prof. De Schepper, investigated the characteristics of patients who visited a patient-centered information website on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (7). They found that, even if most of these patients had visited a health care provider, about 43% did not think their physician took them seriously and 59% thought that the physician lacked knowledge on IBS.…”