A comprehensive study on irritable bowel syndrome using the IBS-36 quality of life measurement tool and patients’ attitudes, concerns, and knowledge

Abstract

This cross-sectional study conducted at Mugda Medical College and Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, explores various aspects related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including knowledge, attitudes, concerns, and QoL. The study population comprises adults aged 20 years and above, either diagnosed with IBS or experiencing symptoms consistent with the condition. A sample size of 200 participants was determined using a standard formula. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and pre-constructed questionnaires by Lacy et al. (2007) and IBS-36 by Groll et al. (2002) were utilized to assess knowledge, attitudes, concerns, and quality of life (QoL). The mean age of the participants was 38.27 years, with a balanced distribution across age groups, ranging from 20 to 59 years. The gender distribution indicated a slight predominance of females (62.5%). 64.5% of respondents were overweight, while 14.5% were classified as obese. 70.5% of respondents resided in urban areas, 77.0% were married. Among the identified IBS signs and symptoms, majority of the patients had constipation (34.5%). Colonoscopy being the most frequently (48.0%) employed in diagnosing of IBS. 32.0% experiencing symptoms for 3-5 years and 94.0% of respondents reported using IBS medications. Additionally, dietary restrictions were common, with 58.0% restricting dairy products. 23.5% of participants fall into the Poor category, indicating high IBS severity and A majority of respondents, comprising 56.5%, exhibit a good category, denoting low IBS severity. 62.0% of the respondents, falls under the Good Knowledge category. The findings reveal a statistically significant association between knowledge levels and IBS severity (p value = 0.001). Only the Social Functioning scale demonstrates lower reliability (α = 0.104), as does the Pain scale (α = 0.284), suggesting potential limitations in patients’ quality of life. The study also revealed significant associations