title: Women with irritable bowel syndrome: differences in patients' and physicians' perceptions.
abstract: The effective management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is enhanced by a therapeutic relationship between healthcare providers and the patient. This survey focused on addressing the symptoms and impact of IBS in women, as well as physician perceptions regarding IBS. A national survey was undertaken to 1) describe the attitudes, knowledge, treatment strategies, and compliance of women with IBS; 2) compare women with IBS to those without IBS on general health and activity limitations; 3) compare women with IBS to physicians regarding their relative perceptions about the disorder; and 4) determine whether physician gender influenced patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, Box 357266, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. heit@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heitkemper
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ameen
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Olden
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012737:Sex Factors