IDDF2024-ABS-0233 Prevalence, clinical features, and associations of symptom-based Rome-IV irritable bowel syndrome in adults in Saudi Arabia: a population-based Study

<h3>Background</h3> Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with a significant impact on quality of life. However, data on the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and associations of symptom-based Rome IV IBS in the Saudi Arabian population are scarce. In this cross-sectional population-based study, we aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical features, and associations of symptom-based Rome IV IBS in adults across Saudi Arabia. <h3>Methods</h3> We collected data from 2000 participants representing different regions of Saudi Arabia to ensure national representation. The study employed the following: 1) Participant Invitation from five distinct regions of KSA. 2) Questionnaire Administration, including demographic data and medical history, and the ROME IV Diagnostic Questionnaire (Arabic Version) to assess symptom-based criteria for Rome IV IBS. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-12) (Arabic Version), a validated somatization questionnaire that scored participants’ non-GI symptoms, and Short Form (SF-8) (Arabic Version) to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of participants. 3) Distribution Channels: The questionnaires were distributed via the internet and social media apps (WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat). For participants with limited internet or social media access, in-person administration was used. <h3>Results</h3> The prevalence of symptom-based Rome IV IBS in our study population was 3.9% (95% Confidence interval: 3.1%-4.9%). The overall IBS subtype distribution was 16.9% IBS-D, 31.0% IBS-C, 40.8% IBS-M, and 11.3% IBS-U. IBS was more common in females than males (76.1% vs. 64.9%, respectively), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.053). Also, there was no age difference between participants with or without IBS (p=0.742). Using the PHQ-12, IBS was significantly associated with high somatization compared to non-IBS participants (54.9% vs. 15.3%, p&lt;0.001). The SF-8 score was significantly lower in IBS participants (41.9±9.2) compared to those without IBS (50.3±9.9, p&lt;0.001). IBS participants used anti-diarrheal, laxatives, and antispasmodics more commonly than those without IBS. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study underscores the burden of symptom-based Rome IV IBS in Saudi Arabia. Understanding the clinical characteristics and associations of IBS is crucial for effective management and healthcare planning.