Brief Article
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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 7, 2010; 16(33): 4221-4226
Published online Sep 7, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i33.4221
Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in Chinese college and university students assessed using Rome III criteria
Yan-Yan Dong, Xiu-Li Zuo, Chang-Qing Li, Yan-Bo Yu, Qiu-Jie Zhao, Yan-Qing Li
Yan-Yan Dong, Xiu-Li Zuo, Chang-Qing Li, Yan-Bo Yu, Qiu-Jie Zhao, Yan-Qing Li, Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
Author contributions: Dong YY designed the questionnaire, collected the data and drafted the manuscript; Zuo XL and Li CQ reviewed the manuscript; Yu YB and Zhao QJ did the statistical analysis; Li YQ conceived the study, supervised and reviewed the entire study, and edited the manuscript.
Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30770990; and Medical Science and Technique Foundation of Shandong Province, No. 2009GG10002009
Correspondence to: Yan-Qing Li, Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, No. 107, Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China. liyanqing@sdu.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-531-82169508 Fax: +86-531-82169236
Received: March 22, 2010
Revised: May 4, 2010
Accepted: May 11, 2010
Published online: September 7, 2010
Abstract

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in college and university students of North China and certain related factors for IBS.

METHODS: A total of 2500 students from Shandong University in North China were asked in February-March 2009 to complete questionnaires, including the Rome III questionnaire, hospital anxiety and depression scale, and IBS-quality of life questionnaire (IBS-QOL).

RESULTS: Among the 2126 students with complete data, the prevalence of IBS was 7.85% according to the Rome III criteria, with a female/male ratio of 1.78:1. Most students had the IBS-constipation subtype (36.5%), followed by IBS-diarrhea subtype (31.1%) and IBS-mixed subtype (23.9%). The students with IBS had a higher anxiety and depression score than those without IBS. Low exercise level and anxiety indicated a high risk for IBS. The mean score of IBS patients was 74.2 ± 4.242 on the IBS-QOL.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IBS is 7.85% in Chinese college and university students according to the Rome III criteria. Low exercise level and anxiety may be the risk factors for IBS.

Keywords: Irritable bowel syndrome; Prevalence; College and university students