Abstract
Background
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the commonest diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders (GI) in primary care and gastroenterology practices. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of IBS, and identify associated factors, among university students in Jordan.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among students at the Hashemite University in Jordan. A validated, confidential, self-administered data collection questionnaire was used for the collection of personal and sociodemographic data, and the Rome III criteria were used to define IBS. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with IBS.
Results
A total of 198 students participated in the study, of whom 163 had complete data and could be assessed by the Rome III criteria. The age range of the students was 18 to 35 years, and 91 (55.8%) were women. Overall, 26 (16.0%) of the respondents were diagnosed with IBS.
Poor sleep (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-10.4; p<0.01), being married (AOR 7.6; 95% CI 2.0-28.8; p<0.01) and a family history of IBS (AOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.1-7.7; p=0.03) were independently associated with IBS in multivariable analysis.
Conclusion
IBS was common among otherwise healthy university student in Jordan. Lifestyle factors such as poor sleep appeared to be associated with IBS symptoms.
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