GEOGRAPHICAL DIFFERENCES IN THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Abstract:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastroenterological diseases and together with functional dyspepsia, the best-known functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID). Numerous data on its prevalence and on its psychosocial determinants were published in the last two decades. Large differences can be encountered between geographical areas. We aimed to find out data from Romania and to compare them with data provided by studies from other countries. The criteria used to diagnose IBS and the methodology of the investigations seems to influence the epidemiological data. Cultural factors may influence the reporting of psychosocial determinants.

Keywords: Epidemiology, functional gastrointestinal disorders, irrritable bowel syndrome, psychosocial factors, type A behaviour