A Study of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stress on Female College Students in Korea

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to provide a database for making better decisions of the treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patient, and for improving the recognition of IBS in the Korean society. METHODS: The survey was conducted on 174 female college students in Korea from January 2017 to January 2018. Out of the total students surveyed, 160 questionnaires were analyzed after excluding 14 uncompleted questionnaires. RESULTS: Based on the survey, the prevalence of IBS among female college students in Korea was found to be 13.8%. Statistically, the results proved that there were significant differences in the stress levels between the students with IBS and non-IBS diagnosed by ROME IV criteria. Students with IBS had higher stress levels than students without the ailment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, stress management related treatment should be actively considered. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop more efficient and updated guidelines for the treatment of IBS and new patient care programs.