8272104 Assessing the burden of irritable bowel syndrome among paramedical professionals in Mahdia, Tunisia

<h3>Objectives</h3> To determine the prevalence and associated factors of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among paramedical professionals (PPs) at Taher Sfar Mahdia hospital, Tunisia. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A cross-sectional study was conducted among PPs of Taher Sfar Mahdia Hospital. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire capturing socio-demographic and occupational characteristics. IBS was diagnosed using the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire for Adult FGIDs and anxiety/depression symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). <h3>Results</h3> Of 261 PPs included in the study, 197 provided complete questionnaires. IBS prevalence was 15.7% (n=31), with 66% of cases among females. A higher IBS prevalence was found among PPs working fixed night shifts than those with variable schedules (93.5% vs. 43.4%, p &lt;0,001). The average number of monthly shifts was significantly higher in PPs with IBS (11.9 ± 4.8 vs. 6.1 ± 7.1, p &lt;0,001). Anxiety (87.1% vs 54.8%, p=0.001) and depression (87.1% vs 57.8%, p=0.002) were significantly more frequent in PPs with IBS. Multivariate analysis identified associations between IBS and body mass index (BMI) (OR=1.115, 95% CI [1.013-1.226], p=0.026), fixed night shifts work schedules (OR=13.589, 95% CI [3.078-29.991], p=0.001) and anxiety symptoms (OR=3.675; 95% CI [1.155; 11.694], p=0.028). <h3>Conclusion</h3> IBS was identified in 15.7% PPs, with significant associations with fixed night shifts, higher BMI, and anxiety. The strong link with night shifts suggests that disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep quality exacerbate IBS. The high prevalence of anxiety among affected PPs highlights the role of psychosocial stressors in functional gastrointestinal disorders. These findings highlight the need for improved shift scheduling, early screening for mental health issues, and targeted interventions to reduce occupational stress and enhance PPs’ well-being in high-demand hospital settings.