Prevalence of and risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome in adolescents: Population-based study

Aim. To determine prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and associat ed factors in a community-based population of adolescents. Material and methods. 189 schoolboys and 250 schoolgirls aged 14-17 years f ront four randomly chosen schools of Novosibirsk participated in the study. Results. The prevalence of IBS defined according to Rome criteria was highe r in girls (24 vs 14% in boys, p = 0.01). Colonic pain frequency was simila r in both genders (11% in girls vs 9% in boys, p = 0.46), however disturbed defecation occurred significantly more often in girls than in boys (16 vs 7%, p = 0.003). Half of the subjects who reported IBS had also dyspeptic sy mptoms. Fiber-rich diet and/or laxatives to prevent constipation were used by 2% of boys and 7% of girls (p = 0.012). However, only one third of those having less than 3 stools a week thought it abnormal. IBS is associated wi th the age over 15-16 years, female gender, abdominal pain in childhood, ap pendectomy, irregular meals and smoking (in girls). No association was foun d with other socio-demographic factors and serological markers of some infe ctions and invasions (H. pylori, G. lamblia, O. felineus, hepatitis viruses B and C). Of the persons with diagnosable IBS, 49% have consulted a physic ian about it, 21% have undergone upper endoscopy. School absenteeism was re ported by 62% of the IBS sufferers. Conclusion. IBS is common among adolescents (especially girls) with the pre valence rates similar to those described in adults front West Europe and US A. These disorders are associated with significant disability and health ca re costs.