Irritable bowel syndrome in students at the University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin): epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects

INTRODUCTION: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects patients´ quality of life and may interfere with their work performance. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, the condition has been little studied. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of IBS in students at the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC). METHODS: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from March 03 to June 20, 2018. The subjects included were students at the University of Abomey-Calavi selected according to first purposive sampling (choice of university centers) and then three-stage random sampling (drawing of entity, stream and then students). Diagnosis of IBS was based on ROME IV criteria, excluding subjects with alarm signs. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 and Stata version 15 software. Associated factors were identified in univariable and multivariable analyses. For comparisons, the difference was considered statistically significant for a p-value < 5%. RESULTS: A total of 536 students were included in this study, of whom 11.9% (n=64) had IBS. Their mean age was 21.6±2.4 years, with extremes of 16 and 29 years. Males predominated at 65.1% (n=349), with a sex ratio of 1.9. The unspecified IBS subtype was the most represented, at 37.4% (n=24). The main symptom was abdominal pain 93.8% (n=60), often associated with comorbidities such as functional dyspepsia in 35.9% (n=23), gastro-oesophageal reflux in 31.3% (n=20). IBS impacted quality of life, leading to absenteeism in 35.9% (n=23) and work stoppage in 53.1% (n=34). Factors associated with IBS were female gender [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) : 1.09; 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 1.01-1.17, p= 0.006], Yorouba ethnicity (aOR : 3.61; 95% CI 1.20-10.85, p= 0.022), married status (aOR : 0.28; 95% CI 0.11-0.72, p= 0.005), personal history of sickle cell disease (aOR : 0.25 ; 95% CI 0.07-0.88, p= 0.020), irregular consumption of soft drinks (aOR : 0.57; 95% CI 0.34-0.98, p= 0.040), moderate anxiety state (aOR : 2.26; 95% CI 1.13-4.53, p= 0.020) and severe anxiety state (aOR : 9.82; 95% CI 3.77-25.58, p= 0.000). CONCLUSION: IBS was common among UAC students and had an impact on their quality of life. The associated factors are diverse, some of which can be controlled.