Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Global Challenge Among Medical Students.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been identified as one of the more highly prevalent and costly gastrointestinal disorders. Despite its uncertain etiology, risk factors, such as stress and academic load, are well correlated with the prevalence of the disease. Being in one of the most stressful and challenging environments, medical students are predisposed to have high rates of IBS. The socioeconomic burden of the disease on its sufferers is devastating as their quality of life is reduced, mandating additional health care precautions. The aim of this article, therefore, is to review the current literature about IBS among medical students, its prevalence, associated risk factors, and diagnostic criteria. Additionally, different solutions and management options are recommended to control the disease.
College of Medicine, Alfaisal University.
Sarah Rauf
SR
Qureshi
College of Medicine, Alfaisal University.
Ahmed M
AM
Abdelaal
College of Medicine, Alfaisal University.
Zaynab A
ZA
Janjua
College of Medicine, Alfaisal University.
Hajar A
HA
Alasmari
College of Medicine, Alfaisal University.
Adam S
AS
Obad
College of Medicine, Alfaisal University.
Abdulhadi
A
Alamodi
Family Medicine, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.
Mohammad Abrar
MA
Shareef
irritable bowel syndrome; medical student; prevalence; primary health; stress