Epidemiology of Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Medical Students of Northern India

Abstract

Background: Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are perhaps one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases universally. The prevalence of dyspepsia ranges from 7-40% while the prevalence of IBS ranges between 3-22% in population based studies worldwide.

Aim: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence, socio-demographic and lifestyle associated risk factors of Dyspepsia and IBS among medical college students of urban Delhi, Northern India.

Settings and design: It is a cross-sectional study and was carried out from January to March 2014 at Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.

Materials and methods: A total of 210 students from a Medical College were asked to complete a semi-structured questionnaire based on identification and socio-demographic data, questions pertaining to lifestyle and Rome III criteria.

Results: Of the valid 200 subjects, 90(45%) were males and 110(55%) were females, with a mean age of 20.43± 1.05 y. Majority of the subjects (diagnosed with uninvestigated dyspepsia and IBS) were in the age group of 18-20 y with female gender having higher odds for both. The prevalence of dyspepsia was 18% while that of IBS was 16.5%.Consumption of fatty food, cigarettes and low physical activity were observed as most significant correlates.

Conclusion: Rome III criteria enables symptom based diagnosis of dyspepsia and IBS.The prevalence of dyspepsia and IBS in college students from Delhi is observed to be higher. Association with lifestyle related factors highlights the importance of modifications in their prevention.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal disease; Medical college students; Northern India; Rome III criteria.