Frequency of functional bowel disorders among healthy volunteers in Mexico City.
BACKGROUND
The frequency of functional bowel disorders (FBD) in Mexico using the Rome II criteria is unknown.


METHODS
The Rome II Modular Questionnaire (RII-MQ) was translated into Spanish in coordination with the Rome Committee and their Latin American program. Volunteers were recruited by advertisement in Mexico City, and administered the RII-MQ.


RESULTS
The study population consisted of 324 healthy volunteers, with a mean age of 35.7; 66% were female. The most prevalent disorders were heartburn 35%, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 35%, functional bloating 21%, proctalgia fugax 21%, and functional constipation 19%. Based on gender, IBS-C was 4 times more frequent in females than males (19 vs. 4.6%) and functional bloating 3 times more frequent (10 vs. 3.7%). Differences according to occupation included a higher prevalence of ulcer-like dyspepsia (p = 0.04), IBS-C (p = 0.018) and proctalgia fugax (p = 0.034) among students.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to use RII-MQ to determine the prevalence of FBD in urban Mexico. The prevalence of IBS was significant and is related to a number of factors, including the stress of living in an overpopulated city. Selection bias is likely operative. A community-based study is warranted.
Schmulson
Max
M
Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory (HIPAM), Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico-UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico. maxjulio@avantel.net
Ortíz
Orianna
O
Santiago-Lomeli
Mariana
M
Gutiérrez-Reyes
Gabriela
G
Gutiérrez-Ruiz
María Concepción
MC
Robles-Díaz
Guillermo
G
Morgan
Douglas
D
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population