Prevalence and demographics of irritable bowel syndrome: results from a large web-based survey.
BACKGROUND
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder, and its prevalence and demographics have been evaluated by different methodologies with varying results.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate irritable bowel syndrome demographic and prevalence characteristics utilizing a web-enabled panel.


METHODS
From an existing 150 000-member panel, 31 829 individuals were randomly selected and sent screening questionnaires to evaluate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Individuals who agreed to participate and completed the screening questionnaire received a second questionnaire related to a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, a more detailed symptom description, and additional burden of illness data.


RESULTS
Irritable bowel syndrome prevalence was 7%. Prevalence was higher in women vs. men, unmarried individuals vs. married individuals and unemployed individuals vs. employed individuals. Of those completing the second questionnaire, 51% had seen their physicians for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in the past year and most had an episode within the past 3 months. During the past year, approximately half of the participants had used a prescription medication, and over 90% had used an over-the-counter medication for irritable bowel syndrome. Participants with irritable bowel syndrome demonstrated quality-of-life reductions relative to norms of the United States population.


CONCLUSIONS
Web-enabled data collection represents a novel tool for rapidly surveying a large population of individuals with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Andrews
E B
EB
RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Eaton
S C
SC
Hollis
K A
KA
Hopkins
J S
JS
Ameen
V
V
Hamm
L R
LR
Cook
S F
SF
Tennis
P
P
Mangel
A W
AW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology