Irritable bowel syndrome consulters in Zhejiang province: The symptoms pattern, predominant bowel habit subgroups and quality of life

Table 2 Symptoms characteristics of IBS by gender

Symptoms (%)	Male (n = 305)	Female (n = 311)	P
IBS compatible symptoms
Abdominal pain ≥ 1 hour/day	53.7	61.1	0.039
Abdominal pain ≥ 2 days/week	67.2	68.2	0.434
Altered stool form	80.0	78.1	0.312
Altered stool passage	66.8	68.8	0.325
Abdominal distension	60.7	65.6	0.118
Passage of mucus	51.1	48.2	0.260
Extra-colonic symptoms
Dyspeptic symptoms	63.1	65.3	0.319
Poor appetite	33.6	43.0	0.011
Heartburn	28.4	21.3	0.066
Headache	24.1	33.6	0.024
Back pain	24.4	27.5	0.426
Difficulty in urination	15.6	6.2	0.000
Anxiety	51.0	57.1	0.200
Depression	40.2	47.7	0.114
Fatigue	72.0	73.7	0.897