Abstract
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that is characterized by irregular bowel movements and recurring stomach pain in the absence of anatomical or biochemical abnormalities. Based on Rome IV criteria, four bowel patterns may be seen. Quality of life (QOL) seems to be affected in patients with IBS. Objectives: To measure the prevalence of IBS in Al-Baha region using Rome IV criteria and evaluate the effect of IBS on QOL. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from a population-based survey of adults in Al-Baha region (410 valid responses, 76.3% females, aged 18 and older). The questionnaire covered the sociodemographic characteristics, Rome IV diagnostic criteria for IBS and QOL of participants using the Euro QOL 5 -Dimension, 3-Level (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire. Results: 27.3% of the participants (74.1% females) met Rome IV criteria. The most frequent subtype among IBS patients was IBS-M (42.86%), which was followed by IBS-C (25.89%), IBS-D (16.96%) and IBS-U (14.29%). Smokers had an equal distribution of the four types of IBS, while 87.5% of the non-smokers had IBS -M. IBS-C was recorded as the most common sub type in participants diagnosed with depression or stress 20.69%. The mean EQ-VAS score of QOL was lower in IBS patients (73.83% vs. 83.37% in non-IBS). Conclusion: The prevalence of the disease in this study was 27.3% and the most common subtype among IBS was IBS-M type. There was no association between educational level or gender and increased risk of IBS. The QOL is significantly lower in IBS patients than in non-IBS.