Prevalence and Factors Associated with IBS among Medical Students and Junior Doctors

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder influenced by stress, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors. Medical students and junior doctors may be particularly susceptible due to academic and clinical pressures. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of IBS and its associated risk factors among medical students and junior doctors in Bangladesh using Rome IV criteria. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January 2022 to January 2024 among 600 participants (300 medical students, 300 junior doctors). Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire incorporating Rome IV diagnostic items, BMI, perceived stress, and sleep quality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors. Results: Overall IBS prevalence was 37.5%. Medical students had significantly higher IBS prevalence (41.7%) than junior doctors (33.3%). Female gender (HR = 1.32, p = 0.008), overweight/obese BMI (HR = 1.34, p = 0.009), high stress (HR = 1.71, p < 0.001), and sleep disturbance (HR = 1.50, p = 0.002) were independent risk factors. Age and occupation were not significant after adjustment. Conclusion: IBS is highly prevalent among medical trainees in Bangladesh, with modifiable lifestyle and psychosocial factors being key contributors. Targeted interventions to address stress and sleep quality may reduce disease burden in this population.