healthcare
Article
Assessment of Public’s Awareness Regarding Irritable Bowel
Syndrome in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed A. Bawahab 1 , Muneer Jan Bhat 1, * , Fahad Nasser Mohammed Asiri 1 ,
Khalid Ali Mohammed Alshahrani 1 , Abdulaziz Mohammed Alshehri 1 , Bassam Ahmed Almutairi 1 ,
Muath Mohammed Alhumaidi 1 and Rayan M. Eskandar 2
1
2
*
Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha P.O. Box 641, Saudi Arabia
Ibn Sina Medical College, Jeddah P.O. Box 641, Saudi Arabia
Correspondence: mbhat@kku.edu.sa; Tel.: +966-592235041
Abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by altered bowel
habits, abdominal pain, or discomfort. It is a highly prevalent disorder that affects patients’ quality of
life. A workup is usually required to diagnose IBS, as its differential diagnosis includes some serious
conditions such as carcinoma of the colon. The present study aimed to assess the awareness and
beliefs of the general population regarding IBS. This study was conducted in the Aseer Region, in the
southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. It followed a cross-sectional research design that was conducted
during the period from January to March 2021 using a structured self-administered questionnaire to
assess the demographic variables in addition to questions to assess participants’ awareness and beliefs
related to IBS. Following a convenience sample, the study included 779 participants, with 43.3%
being male, mostly in the age group 21–30 years (36.7%), and 68.7% being university graduates. Most
participants (70.5%) were aware of IBS, and had the correct knowledge about its etiology, symptoms,
risk factors, prognosis, and management. It is recommended to conduct various awareness-raising
programs regarding IBS to improve the public’s knowledge and to decrease functional disabilities
and their impact on life.
Keywords: irritable bowel syndrome; knowledge; risk factors; general public; Saudi Arabia
Citation: Bawahab, M.A.; Bhat, M.J.;
Asiri, F.N.M.; Alshahrani, K.A.M.;
Alshehri, A.M.; Almutairi, B.A.;
Alhumaidi, M.M.; Eskandar, R.M.
Assessment of Public’s Awareness
Regarding Irritable Bowel Syndrome
in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.
Healthcare 2023, 11, 1084. https://
doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11081084
Received: 1 March 2023
Revised: 29 March 2023
Accepted: 6 April 2023
Published: 11 April 2023
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
1. Introduction
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), such as functional dyspepsia (FD) and
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are featured by chronic or recurrent abdominal symptoms
of pain. In the case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is connected with either relief or
exacerbation by defecation, or changes in bowel habits [1]. In addition, changes in bowel
habits are related to both relief and exacerbation. Mood disorders, intestinal microbiota,
chronic infections, altered intestinal permeability, and low-grade mucosal inflammation,
including eosinophilia, systemic immune activation, altered bile salt metabolism, abnormalities in the serotonin metabolism, and genetic factors have all been proposed as potential
causes of FGID [1].
Irritable bowel syndrome, often known as IBS, is a condition that affects the digestive
tract and is characterized by stomach pain and chronic discomfort, as well as changes in the
appearance of stools, mucus discharge, and bowel abnormalities [2,3]. IBS is not caused by
any medical illness. It is a chronic and debilitating functional disorder of the gastrointestinal
tract that affects 9–23% of the population across the world, causing a considerable impact
on the quality of life, and resulting in functional disabilities [3]. According to the findings
of a study that was carried out in the Al Jouf district of Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of
IBS ranges between 8.9% and 9.2%. The incidence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is
considerably higher in persons under the age of 40 compared to those beyond the age of
40 [4].
Healthcare 2023, 11, 1084. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11081084
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/healthcare
Healthcare 2023, 11, 1084
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The diagnosis of IBS is a matter of debate. Most community health providers believe
that IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion; however, the guidelines emphasize that IBS is not a
diagnosis of exclusion, and they encourage clinicians to make a positive diagnosis using
the Rome criteria alone [5,6]. One of the most important differential diagnoses of IBS is
colon cancer [7]. IBS and colon cancer share similar symptoms. Some patients with colon
cancer may be misdiagnosed as having IBS. Nevertheless, with colon cancer, a person
may experience unexplained weight loss and blood in their stool from the rectum. These
symptoms do not occur in IBS. Despite similar symptoms, IBS does not put a person at a
higher risk of developing colon cancer [8]. IBS frequently presents with serious symptoms
that may be even more frequent than diabetes or hypertension [9]. However, the treatment
of IBS is difficult because of its diversity and complexity. Although there are various
guidelines related to its management, the main focus remains on the efficacy of medications
using high-priority endpoints, leaving those of lower priority to be largely unreported.
There is poor knowledge about its prevalence, precipitating factors, and associated
factors in Saudi Arabia [10]. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no study
evaluating the knowledge of the general population regarding IBS. Thus, it is highly
essential to have the basic knowledge and awareness of related symptoms and management
of IBS. Hence, with this background, this study was conducted aiming to assess the
knowledge, and related factors regarding IBS among the general population of the Saudi
community in Aseer Region.
2. Methods
2.1. Study Design
The present study followed a cross-sectional research design. The study population
included all Saudi adults (aged >18 years). However, those with a history of IBS, or who
worked in the healthcare field were excluded. Following a convenience sample, a total of
779 participants could be included during the period from January to March 2021.
2.2. Data Collection Tool
Based on a thorough review of the relevant literature, a self-administered structured
questionnaire was constructed by the researchers to assess participants’ personal characteristics (i.e., age, gender distribution, body mass index, marital status, residence, employment
profile, and educational level), in addition to well-constructed questions regarding participants’ knowledge and attitude about IBS.
The study questionnaire’s content validity was assessed by an expert panel comprising
two physicians and one research consultant. Moreover, the Cronbach α-coefficient was
applied to measure its internal consistency, which proved to be appropriate (α = 0.84).
2.3. Data Collection
The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was
approved by the local ethics committee of the institute (ECM#2020-2402). Informed written
consent was obtained from all subjects prior to their enrollment in the study. Patients were
clearly informed about the questionnaire and the responses to all questions were recorded
and analyzed.
The questionnaire was shared as an online questionnaire via various social media applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram, so as to achieve
maximum responses from the general public and cover all types of education groups and
subjects with a varied demographic profile. Moreover, face-to-face data collection was
also performed by trained medical students in the form of direct interviews of the general
population visiting public places, such as shopping malls and parks.
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2.4. Outcomes
We evaluated participants’ personal characteristics (i.e., age, gender distribution, body
mass index, marital status, residence, employment profile, and educational level) and their
knowledge and attitude regarding IBS.
2.5. Statistical Analysis
All data were attained and recorded in a pre-designed and validated Excel sheet.
Collected data were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(IBM, SPSS, version 20.0). Descriptive statistics (i.e., mean, standard deviation, frequencies,
and percentages) were computed. Testing the significance of differences was performed
using the chi-square test. The level of significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. Testing
the significance of differences was performed using the chi-square test. Binary logistic
regression was applied to identify the independent variable significantly associated with
public awareness of IBS. The level of significance was set at a p-value < 0.05.
3. Results
A combined total of one thousand people were invited through the use of social media
and personal invitations. There were 822 responses that were accurate, which equates
to 82.2%. Notwithstanding this, more participants with IBS and healthcare staff, totaling
43 patients, were excluded from the study. The total number of respondents was 779, which
equates to a response rate of 77.9%.
Table 1 shows the personal characteristics of participants, with 43.3% being males. The
age group of 36.7% was 21–30 years, while 8.6% were aged <20 years. Most participants
(79.2%) were living in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, while 20.8% were temporary visitors
to the area. More than half of the participants (58.0%) were married. More than two-thirds
of the participants (68.7%) were university graduates, while 20.3% were secondary school
qualified. Almost one-third of the participants (32%) were students, while 27.9% were
teachers. More than one-third of the participants (39.5%) were overweight, while 24.1%
were obese.
Table 1. Demographic data (n = 779).
Parameters
Residence
Gender
Age (years)
Marital status
Education level
No. of Subjects
Percentage
Within Aseer Region
617
79.2
Outside Aseer Region
162
20.8
Male
337
43.3
Female
442
56.7
<20
67
8.6
21–30
286
36.7
31–40
180
23.1
≥40
246
31.6
Married
452
58.0
Single
327
42.0
Illiterate
2
0.3
Primary (finished 6 years of
school education)
13
1.7
Intermediate (finished 9
years of school education
27
3.5
Secondary (finished 12
years of school education)
158
20.3
University
535
68.7
Postgraduate
44
5.6
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Table 1. Cont.
Parameters
Job
Body mass index (kg/m2 )
No. of Subjects
Percentage
Student
249
32.0
Teacher
217
27.9
Administrative
13
1.7
Military
21
2.7
Not employed/housewife
168
21.6
Govt employee
12
1.5
Retired
35
4.5
Private sector employee
42
5.4
2.8
Other
22
Underweight
42
5.4
Normal weight
241
30.9
Overweight
308
39.5
Obese
188
24.1
Figure 1 shows that most participants (70.5%) were aware of IBS, while 29.5% were
not aware of it.
Figure 1. General public’s awareness regarding irritable bowel syndrome.
Table 2 shows participants’ responses regarding their awareness and knowledge of IBS.
Almost half of the participants (49.4%) became aware of IBS from their friends or relatives,
followed by the Internet and social media (36%). Almost one-third of participants (31.5%)
stated that the most common symptoms of IBS include bouts of diarrhea, constipation, and
abdominal cramps, while 60.8% stated that IBS is due to a colon infection.
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Table 2. Participants’ responses to knowledge items related to IBS.
Parameters
1.
Have you ever heard about
irritable bowel syndrome?
Options
No. of Subjects
Percentage
The Internet and
social media
200
36.0
Competent person/specialized
facility
76
13.7
Relatives or
friends
274
49.4
Yes
(n = 555, 71.2%)
Others
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Irritable bowel syndrome
includes the following:
Irritable bowel syndrome is
more common than diabetes
or hypertension.
Do you think Irritable bowel
syndrome affects the quality
of life?
Irritable bowel syndrome
can lead to rapid mood
changes.
What do you think is the
most irritating symptom
that makes the patient
uncomfortable?
(more than one option is allowed)
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Irritable bowel syndrome is
a result of the following:
(you can choose more than
one)
Irritable bowel syndrome
can lead to the following:
(you can choose more than
one)
Irritable bowel syndrome
attacks/episodes are
triggered by the following:
(you can choose more than
one)
Dietary changes could
improve irritable bowel
syndrome symptoms.
Prescription medications
could improve irritable
bowel syndrome symptoms.
6
1.1
No
224
28.8
Diarrhea/constipation/abdominal
cramps
245
31.5
Colon infection
474
60.8
Change in appetite
14
1.8
Ulcers in the bowel
46
5.9
Inflammation of the bowel
0
0
True
224
28.8
False
130
16.7
I do not know
425
54.6
Yes
619
79.5
No
39
5.0
I do not know
121
15.5
Yes
719
92.3
1.0
No
8
I do not know
52
6.7
Abdominal pain
486
62.4
Excess gases
439
56.4
Diarrhea
63
8.1
36.6
Constipation
285
Genetic factors
297
38.1
Infections
137
17.6
Dietary factors/food allergy
381
48.9
Anxiety/depression/stress
243
31.2
Motility problem
12
1.5
Cancer
353
45.3
Ulcer
414
53.1
Malnutrition
163
20.9
Absorption disorders
237
30.4
Hemorrhoid
137
17.6
A combination of multiple factors
340
43.6
Eating spicy foods
40
5.1
Frequent and excessive intake of meals
127
16.3
Eating a lot of meals containing
saturated fat
43
5.5
By coffee
104
13.4
By stress at work or in relationships
240
30.8
Yes
623
80.0
No
18
2.3
I do not know
138
17.7
Yes
558
71.6
No
33
4.2
I do not know
188
24.1
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Table 2. Cont.
Parameters
12.
13.
14.
15.
Surgery could improve the
irritable bowel syndrome status.
Counselling (a gastroenterologist,
psychiatrist, or psychologist)
could improve the irritable bowel
syndrome status.
Advanced age is a major cause of
irritable bowel syndrome.
If one of your relatives has
symptoms of irritable bowel
syndrome and he/she seeks your
advice, what would you do?
(more than one option is allowed)
16.
What would you like to know
about irritable bowel syndrome?
No. of Subjects
Percentage
Yes
Options
83
10.7
No
146
18.7
I do not know
550
70.6
Yes
630
76.64
No
26
3.3
I do not know
600
77.0
Yes
170
21.8
No
249
32.0
May be
360
46.2
Offer them some herbal medications
128
16.4
Tell them to change their diet
293
37.6
Tell them to visit a gastroenterologist
302
38.8
You will not tell them anything
151
19.4
What irritable bowel syndrome is
527
67.7
What causes irritable bowel
syndrome
36
4.6
What foods should I avoid
91
11.7
Medications to prevent attack
1
0.1
Nothing
124
15.9
More than half of the participants (54.6%) were not aware of the prevalence of IBS,
while 28.8% correctly stated that IBS was more common than diabetes or hypertension,
whereas 16.7% denied that. More than three-quarters of participants (79.5%) indicated
that IBS affects the quality of life, while 92.3% stated that it could cause rapid mood
changes. More than half of the participants stated that abdominal pain and excess gas
are the most irritating symptoms of IBS that make the patient uncomfortable (62.4% and
56.4%, respectively), followed by constipation (36.6%), and diarrhea (8.1%). Almost half of
the participants (48.9%) stated that dietary habits or food allergies are the most common
etiological factors affecting patients with IBS, followed by genetic factors (38.1%), anxiety/depression/stress, infection (31.2%), and motility problems (1.5%). More than half of
the participants stated that IBS can lead to ulcers and cancer (53.1% and 45.3%, respectively),
followed by absorption disorders (30.4%), malnutrition (20.9%), and hemorrhoids (17.6%).
A combination of multiple factors was stated by 43.6% of participants to be the most common triggering factor for IBS, followed by stress (31.2%), frequent and excessive intake
of meals (16.3%), excessive intake of coffee (13.4%), excessive eating of meals containing
saturated fats (5.5%), and eating spicy foods (5.1%). Most participants stated that dietary
changes and medications could improve IBS symptoms (80% and 71.6%, respectively),
whereas knowledge about the role of the surgery was not particularly known by most
participants (70.6%). Most participants (76.6%) stated that counseling a physician could
significantly improve the IBS status. The impact of advanced age was not well known by
participants (46.2%), whereas only 21.8% confirmed its impact, and 32% denied its impact.
About one-third of participants (38.8%) stated that they advocate consulting a gastroenterologist for a relative who seeks advice regarding IBS, followed by recommending a
change in diet (37.6%) or offering herbal medications (16.4%). About two-thirds of participants (67.7%) wished to know more about IBS, followed by which foods are to be avoided
(11.7%), what causes IBS (4.6%), and lastly medications to prevent IBS attacks (0.1%).
Table 3 shows that participants’ awareness of IBS was significantly less common
among females (p = 0.004), those aged more than 40 years (p < 0.001), married (p < 0.001),
those with less than a university educational level (p = 0.037), and overweight and obese
participants (p = 0.005).
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Table 3. Participants’ awareness regarding IBS according to their personal characteristics.
Unaware (n = 230)
Personal Characteristics
Residence
Aware (n = 549)
%
No.
%
Outside Aseer Region
53
32.7
109
67.3
Within Aseer Region
177
28.7
440
71.3
Male
81
24.2
256
75.8
Female
149
33.6
293
66.4
<20
19
28.0
48
72.0
21–30
47
16.4
239
83.6
31–40
49
27.3
131
72.7
> 40
115
46.7
131
53.3
Married
166
36.7
286
63.3
Single
64
19.6
263
80.4
Illiterate
1
50.0
1
50.0
Primary
5
28.6
8
71.4
Gender
Age (in years)
Marital status
Intermediate
12
42.9
15
57.1
Secondary
59
37.6
99
62.4
University
144
26.9
391
73.1
Postgraduate
9
21.3
35
78.7
Educational level
Body mass index
No.
Underweight
13
31
29
69
Normal weight
50
20.7
191
79.3
Overweight
102
33.1
206
66.9
Obese
65
34
123
66
p
Value
0.318
0.004
<0.001
<0.001
0.037
0.005
Table 4 shows the binary logistic regression model for predictors of participants’
awareness of IBS. The odds ratio, i.e., Exp(B) for the significant independent variables was
6.4 for the participants’ gender, 5.37 for their age groups, 4.49 for their qualification, 3.69 for
their marital status, and 3.54 for their body mass index. All the independent variables included
had a statistically significant association with participants’ awareness of IBS (p < 0.001).
Table 4. Binary logistic regression for independent variables affecting awareness of IBS.
Exp
p
Variables
B
Standard
Error
Wald
(B)
Value
Lower
95% CI for Exp(B)
Upper
Gender
1.86
0.32
34.52
6.40
<0.001
3.45
11.89
Age groups
1.68
0.19
76.92
5.37
<0.001
3.69
7.83
Marital status
1.31
0.37
12.39
3.69
<0.001
1.78
7.63
Educational level
1.50
0.19
62.91
4.49
<0.001
3.10
6.50
Body mass index
1.26
0.18
50.37
3.54
<0.001
2.50
5.02
Constant
−13.72
1.28
115.67
0.00
<0.001
4. Discussion
The disorders of brain–gut interactions are a category of functional gastrointestinal
disorders that are defined by a complicated relationship between the brain and the gut.
They are also known as DGBIs. These conditions are characterized by a number of symptoms, including pain in the abdominal region, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, all of
which can have a major influence on a person’s quality of life [11]. Increasing pieces of
evidence point to the possibility that alterations in the microbiota of the gut, the function of
the intestinal barrier, and the immune system may all play a role in the pathogenesis of
DGBIs. In addition, the impact that stress, worry, and depression has on the gut–brain axis
have the potential to make the symptoms of DGBIs worse [12]. Recent developments in
our knowledge of DGBIs have resulted in the creation of new diagnostic and therapeutic
approaches for the treatment of these illnesses [13]. These include the use of probiotics,
prebiotics, and dietary modifications in order to improve the composition and function of
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gut microbiota. Additionally, psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy
and mindfulness-based interventions are utilized in order to target the psychological components of DGBIs [14]. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that novel pharmacological
treatments, such as inhibitors of selective serotonin reuptake and certain neuromodulators,
may have therapeutic benefits in the treatment of DGBIs [15]. In general, these new methods show promise for boosting the management of DGBIs and the quality of life of those
who are afflicted by them.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a prevalent, commonly occurring, functional chronic
gastrointestinal disorder that carries a considerably negative impact on social functioning
and quality of life; thus, the condition should not be underestimated [16]. It is observed that
during a person’s lifetime, one in every five persons suffers from IBS. Moreover, the number
of persons taking medical advice regarding IBS is also increasing, which accounts for around
12% of the total patients visiting primary health care clinics. This group constitutes a major
part of patients reporting to clinics of the gastroenterology department [10].
Anxiety and stress are known to make symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
worse, which makes it more difficult to control the disease [17]. Anxiety and stress are
known to trigger the release of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, both of which
have the potential to irritate and inflame the digestive tract [18]. In addition, anxiety and
stress can upset the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can make the symptoms of irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) worse. Alterations to one’s diet, which can be brought on by anxiety
and stress in certain people, might make the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
worse [19].
The incidence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) continues to vary greatly across the
globe. The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is significantly higher in females
than it is in males. Individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 years old were affected the
most frequently [10]. The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is estimated to
range anywhere from 9–40%, according to the findings of a number of studies that have
been carried out all over the world [20–22]. Insufficient data are available regarding the
prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the factors that put people at risk in Saudi
Arabia’s general population. Studies have also proposed that the incidence of IBS can also
be affected by various genetic factors, where family history plays an important role in the
development of IBS in around 30% of patients [22].
Most of the studies have focused on the prevalence of IBS among different populations [10,23,24], rather than the awareness and knowledge about IBS among the general
public. The present study was performed as the first study to evaluate the public’s knowledge about IBS and its risk factors in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire
used in the study was validated and revised to focus on knowledge about the cause, nature,
risk factors, and management of this syndrome. Thus, this study did not replicate the
questionnaires or data of the previous published.
The etiology of IBS remains unknown, lacking confirmed or known factors. It has been
advocated that the pathophysiology of IBS is not yet properly understood. For explaining
the pathogenesis of diseases, various linked risk factors have been proposed. Recently, a
“biopsychosocial” model has been proposed in an endeavor to harmonize and integrate
various factors (such as environmental, genetic, and psychological) that work together
synergistically to generate different signs and symptoms [24].
According to the findings of this study, most of the adults in the Aseer Region of
Saudi Arabia are familiar with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and the vast majority of
these individuals have accurate knowledge regarding the disorder’s etiology, symptoms,
risk factors, prognosis, and management, particularly among university-educated subjects.
On the other hand, the results of the bivariate and multivariate analyses suggested that
knowledge of IBS was considerably lower among participants who were obese, younger,
married, and had a lower level of education.
However, the study by Hakami et al., which aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude,
and practices of medical students in Saudi Arabia toward IBS, reported that most par-
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ticipants had misconceptions about its etiology and nature [25]. Similarly, several other
national [26,27] and international studies [28–30] reported low awareness of IBS among the
study populations, as most of the subjects had improper knowledge about the etiology and
risk factors of IBS and its symptoms.
The present study also revealed that the general public has adequate knowledge about
the risks and aggravating factors of IBS. Most subjects will seek medicinal treatment and
professional counseling for the management of IBS. Similar findings were reported in
several studies [27–29], whose participants advocated the need for awareness about IBS
and various factors related to the disease.
Strengths and Limitations
The present study was the first to explore the knowledge and related risk factors for
IBS among the general public in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. However, this study has a few
limitations, such as the cross-sectional nature of the study design, and the non-probability
sampling used to include participants, which may reflect a selection bias. Moreover, the
majority of participants were of young and middle age, and most respondents were highly
educated, which may reflect some degree of response bias. In addition, the study did not
inquire about the relatives of the participants who may suffer from IBS. Further studies
should be conducted on a larger sample size, involving different parameters and variables
to study the knowledge, attitude, and awareness among study subjects in relation to IBS.
5. Conclusions
Most of the adult Saudi general public has good knowledge about the etiology, symptoms, risk factors, prognosis, and management of IBS. However, further observational
studies need to be conducted with an elaborated sample size that includes an equal distribution of subjects of different age groups, genders, and educational levels from different
areas of Saudi Arabia to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding IBS and the actual prevalence of the disease among the general population in Saudi Arabia. It is also
recommended to conduct various healthcare programs to enhance knowledge and raise
the public’s awareness about IBS.
Author Contributions: All the authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material
preparation, data collection was performed by F.N.M.A., K.A.M.A., A.M.A., B.A.A. and M.M.A.
Analysis’ was performed by M.J.B., M.A.B. and R.M.E. The first draft of the manuscript was written
by M.A.B. and M.J.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: The research protocol was approved by the Research Ethics
committee at King Khalid University(approval number:(ECM#2020-2402) and all necessary precautions were taken.
Informed Consent Statement: Informed written consent was obtained from all subjects prior to their
enrollment in the study. Patients were clearly informed about the questionnaire and the responses to
all questions were recorded and analyzed.
Data Availability Statement: The data will be available with the corresponding author to be releases
on reasonable request.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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