Exploring the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and psychosocial, demographic, and health factors in Syrian hospital settings
Abstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent and complex gastrointestinal disorder that profoundly affects patients’ quality of life. This study, the first of its kind in Syria, explores the intricate relationship between IBS and demographic factors, with a focus on gender, age,...
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Psychiatry |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07138-y |
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| author | Jamal Ataya Nour Swileh Zaher Alchawa Haya Kabboul Raneem Alnassif Alsheikh Nadim Schkeif Hiba Khazma Hiba Shok Ahmad Wassouf |
| author_facet | Jamal Ataya Nour Swileh Zaher Alchawa Haya Kabboul Raneem Alnassif Alsheikh Nadim Schkeif Hiba Khazma Hiba Shok Ahmad Wassouf |
| author_sort | Jamal Ataya |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent and complex gastrointestinal disorder that profoundly affects patients’ quality of life. This study, the first of its kind in Syria, explores the intricate relationship between IBS and demographic factors, with a focus on gender, age, socioeconomic status, the presence of chronic diseases, and psychological status. Methods A cross-sectional study of 562 participants was conducted in Damascus to investigate the prevalence of IBS and its association with psychological distress. Participants were assessed using a structured questionnaire that collected data on demographic factors, chronic diseases, and psychological distress. Statistical analysis, including chi-square, t-tests and one-way Anova, were performed to identify associations between these factors and IBS prevalence. Results The results revealed a higher prevalence of IBS among females and participants aged 40–50. Socioeconomic status was found to play a significant role, with lower income levels correlating with a higher likelihood of IBS. Furthermore, participants with chronic diseases exhibited an elevated likelihood for IBS, emphasizing the importance of considering comorbidities in IBS management. IBS was strongly associated with psychological distress, with a higher prevalence of depression and distress among participants with IBS. Weight was also associated with IBS, with a higher BMI linked to an increased likelihood of the condition. Conclusion This study highlights the multifaceted nature of IBS, and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates the physical and psychological aspects of its assessment and management. While this research provides valuable insights, it also acknowledges its limitations and calls for further investigation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these associations and develop tailored interventions for participants with IBS. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6b44ff282fec4f528922e2ca091c3c32 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1471-244X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Psychiatry |
| spelling | doaj-art-6b44ff282fec4f528922e2ca091c3c322025-08-20T03:05:07ZengBMCBMC Psychiatry1471-244X2025-07-012511710.1186/s12888-025-07138-yExploring the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and psychosocial, demographic, and health factors in Syrian hospital settingsJamal Ataya0Nour Swileh1Zaher Alchawa2Haya Kabboul3Raneem Alnassif Alsheikh4Nadim Schkeif5Hiba Khazma6Hiba Shok7Ahmad Wassouf8Faculty of Medicine, University of AleppoFaculty of Medicine, Damascus UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Damascus UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Damascus UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Damascus UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Damascus UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Damascus UniversityFaculty of Medicine, Damascus UniversityGastroenterology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Almouassat University Hospital, Damascus UniversityAbstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent and complex gastrointestinal disorder that profoundly affects patients’ quality of life. This study, the first of its kind in Syria, explores the intricate relationship between IBS and demographic factors, with a focus on gender, age, socioeconomic status, the presence of chronic diseases, and psychological status. Methods A cross-sectional study of 562 participants was conducted in Damascus to investigate the prevalence of IBS and its association with psychological distress. Participants were assessed using a structured questionnaire that collected data on demographic factors, chronic diseases, and psychological distress. Statistical analysis, including chi-square, t-tests and one-way Anova, were performed to identify associations between these factors and IBS prevalence. Results The results revealed a higher prevalence of IBS among females and participants aged 40–50. Socioeconomic status was found to play a significant role, with lower income levels correlating with a higher likelihood of IBS. Furthermore, participants with chronic diseases exhibited an elevated likelihood for IBS, emphasizing the importance of considering comorbidities in IBS management. IBS was strongly associated with psychological distress, with a higher prevalence of depression and distress among participants with IBS. Weight was also associated with IBS, with a higher BMI linked to an increased likelihood of the condition. Conclusion This study highlights the multifaceted nature of IBS, and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates the physical and psychological aspects of its assessment and management. While this research provides valuable insights, it also acknowledges its limitations and calls for further investigation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these associations and develop tailored interventions for participants with IBS.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07138-yIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Psychological distressRome criteriaSyrian populationCross-sectional study |
| spellingShingle | Jamal Ataya Nour Swileh Zaher Alchawa Haya Kabboul Raneem Alnassif Alsheikh Nadim Schkeif Hiba Khazma Hiba Shok Ahmad Wassouf Exploring the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and psychosocial, demographic, and health factors in Syrian hospital settings BMC Psychiatry Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Psychological distress Rome criteria Syrian population Cross-sectional study |
| title | Exploring the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and psychosocial, demographic, and health factors in Syrian hospital settings |
| title_full | Exploring the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and psychosocial, demographic, and health factors in Syrian hospital settings |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and psychosocial, demographic, and health factors in Syrian hospital settings |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and psychosocial, demographic, and health factors in Syrian hospital settings |
| title_short | Exploring the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and psychosocial, demographic, and health factors in Syrian hospital settings |
| title_sort | exploring the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and psychosocial demographic and health factors in syrian hospital settings |
| topic | Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Psychological distress Rome criteria Syrian population Cross-sectional study |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07138-y |
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