Prevalence and Predictors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Among Medical Students at the University of Sharjah, UAE

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID), with different subtypes based on symptoms. Psychological stress has been found to have a significant impact on intestinal function and is associated with self-reported IBS and gastrointestinal symptoms. Aims This study aimed to determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among medical students at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and to identify potential predictors of IBS. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 at the University of Sharjah. A multistage stratified random sampling technique was employed to recruit undergraduate students from medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and health sciences colleges. A questionnaire consisting of 27 questions was administered to 471 medical students, which incorporated both standardized tools (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Rome IV criteria) and custom-developed sections (demographics and food frequency questionnaire). The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics. The level of significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05). Results The research found that a moderate prevalence (17.3%) of IBS was present among medical students at UOS, with stress, anxiety, and smoking being the most significant predictors. No significant correlation was found between the occurrence of IBS and both gender and dietary factors. Conclusion The study identified a moderate prevalence (17.3%) of IBS among medical students, in which stress, anxiety, and smoking were the most significant predictors. Screening programs for IBS and psychological problems are recommended, along with stress coping strategies courses and raising awareness among the general population about IBS. The study also suggests conducting similar studies among the general population in the UAE to determine the prevalence of IBS and identify potential risk factors.