| SHORT REPORT |
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| Year : 2009 | Volume
: 8
| Issue : 3 | Page : 177-180 |
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Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome: A community survey in an African population
Edith N Okeke1, Nimzing G Ladep1, Steven Adah2, Pokop W Bupwatda2, Emmanuel I Agaba1, Abraham O Malu1
1 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
2 Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Edith N Okeke
Department of Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, PMB 2076, Jos, Plateau State
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1596-3519.57241
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Background : Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been reported to be common in the West. Community surveys are lacking in the African setting. We determined the prevalence of IBS in a rural community setting in Nigeria.
Method : Questionnaires were administered to consenting individuals. Subjects satisfying the Rome II criteria for IBS were invited for physical examination at a health center to identify the presence of "alarm factors."
Results : One hundred forty (31.6%) of the 443 evaluated individuals fulfilled the Rome II criteria for IBS, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.37:1 (P= .11). The prevalence of IBS was highest (39.3%) in the third decade, followed by 25% in the fourth decade (P= .009). Ninety-six (67%) IBS individuals had the alternating pattern of diarrhea and constipation, whereas 28 (20%) and 19 (13%) had constipation and diarrhea subtypes, respectively.
Conclusion : IBS as diagnosed by the Rome II criteria has a high prevalence in the African rural population, as obtained elsewhere. |
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