PREVALENCE OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME IN SAUDI ARABIA, A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: There are several Saudi Arabian reports on the diagnosis of IBS in diverse population situations. The study found that incidence rates varied across the country and that multiple etiological factors could be involved.

Objectives: The study aims to summarize current evidences on prevalence, risk factors and management approaches of irritable bowel syndrome in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: For article selection, the PubMed database and EBSCO Information Services were used. All relevant articles relevant with our topic and other articles were used in our review. Other articles that were not related to this field were excluded. The data was extracted in a specific format that was reviewed by the group members.

Conclusion: IBS prevalence rates in Saudi Arabia ranged between 7.9% in Riyadh and highest 40.7% in Qassim. Factors were significantly associated with IBS as female gender, age, phsycological status, family history, smoking, socioeconomic status as well as other factors. IBS-M was the most common sub-type in Saudi Arabia.