Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Dietary Habits in Northern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: dietary habit is one of the most universally recounted initiators of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The objective of the present study was to determine the role of some dietary habits in the etiology of IBS in Northern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: In this community based cross-sectional survey, data about IBS were obtained from 930 Saudi volunteers living in the city of Hail, Northern Saudi Arabia. IBS was diagnosed using Rome IV criteria. Results: The prevalence of IBS was 11% among males vs. 12.5% among females. The prevalence of IBS symptoms among males was 30% vs. 36.5% females. IBS was significantly associated with reduced water intake, the RR (95% CI) = 1.1800 (1.0146 to 1.3722), P = 0.0316. In the present study, the majority of the study population 904/929 (97.3%) didn't accustom to vegetables/fruits intake. Conclusion: IBS is prevalent in Northern Saudi Arabia, both among males and females with relatively increasing among females. Low water intake and insufficient fibers intake (particularly, in vegetables and fruits) might be behind the growing prevalence of IBS in Saudi Arabia.

Association of Diet, Body Mass Index, and Lifestyle on the Gastrointestinal Health Risk in a Sample of Adults

“…In our study, the type of beverages that the participants drank was not investigated; however, there are studies that seem to reveal that the intake of soft drinks is associated with an increased risk of suffering from inflammatory bowel conditions, while, in contrast, the intake of tea can reduce it [ 37 ]. In a study similar to ours, IBS was found to be significantly associated with reduced water intake (as well as higher prevalence among women and low consumption of fruits and vegetables) [ 48 ]. We observed that drinking less than recommended significantly increased the risk of a functional intestinal condition; in addition, we found significant differences in water consumption between the sexes.…”

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Female Secondary School students in Ar Rass City, Qassim Region

“…Other studies have also found association between IBS and poor dietary habits. 6,13,20 In the study by Alanazi et al, high prevalence of IBS was observed among students who were consuming low amounts of fruits and vegetables and had frequent soft drinks consumption. 13 Alharbi et al also concluded that inadequate fruits and vegetables intake is a risk factor for developing IBS.…”

“…13 Alharbi et al also concluded that inadequate fruits and vegetables intake is a risk factor for developing IBS. 6 Body image is a sensitive issue for adolescents in general and adolescent females in particular. In our study, weight perception (perceived as underweight or overweight) was significantly associated with IBS.…”

“…3,4 Psychosocial disorders such as depression and anxiety are found to be risk factors for IBS. [3][4][5][6] The importance of diagnosing IBS lies in the prevention of wasting resources and improving patients' quality of life. So far, IBS has been a costly medical condition, consuming a lot of unnecessary investigations and medications.…”

“…1,7,8 There is no definite investigation for the diagnosis of IBS, and the diagnosis can be established by using the Rome IV Criteria, which depends on a group of symptoms for certain duration of time for the diagnosis of IBS. 6,7,9 Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who suffer from IBS and remain undiagnosed; only around 30% of those suffering from IBS reach out for medical care. 8 Secondary school level is considered a very stressful and sensitive period of age since the adolescent students are heading for college and have to define their choices for the future.…”