S1170 Prevalence, Duration, and Healthcare-Utilization Behavior Among US Adults With Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Nationally Representative Survey

Introduction: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as bloating, altered bowel habits, and abdominal discomfort are widespread, yet many affected individuals do not seek medical care. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, symptom duration, and care-seeking behavior among United States (US) adults, and to explore reasons for inaction and patient experiences with the healthcare system. Methods: A nationally representative, anonymous online survey was conducted among 2,000 US adults (≥18 years) in March 2025. Participants reported the presence and duration of key GI symptoms and whether they had sought medical care. Reasons for avoiding care and experiences of provider dismissal were also collected. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to evaluate demographic differences. Results: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were reported by 58.4% (1,168/2,000) of respondents, while only 41.6% (832/2,000) reported no symptoms. The most frequently reported symptoms included bloating, urgency, alternating bowel habits, and chronic constipation or diarrhea. Symptom duration exceeded 1 month in 93.2% of the participants and was longer than 6 months in 64.0%. A formal diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was reported by 14.0% of respondents, with no significant difference between men and women (15.1% vs 13.2%, P = 0.2). Among those diagnosed with IBS, 35% were aged 18–34, 45% were 35–54, and 19% were over 55 years old. Of 1,168 symptomatic respondents, 30.6% had never pursued medical care for their GI symptoms. The most common reasons were the belief that symptoms were normal (36.1%), having no particular reason (25.5%), and concerns about cost (14.0%). Smaller percentages cited lack of time (6.4%), mistrust in doctors (5.9%), or embarrassment (5.9%). Importantly, 27.4% (548/2,000) of respondents reported feeling dismissed by healthcare providers, either frequently (12.0%) or occasionally (15.4%). Conclusion: Chronic GI symptoms affect the majority of US adults, yet medical care is often underutilized even among those with long-standing symptoms. Misconceptions about symptom normalcy, healthcare access barriers, and prior negative experiences with clinicians contribute to this care gap. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health messaging and improved clinician-patient communication around functional GI disorders.