35, Triq San Pacifiku, Mosta, MST 1220, Malta. 00356 79297926.
Ulster Med J. 2021 Jan;90(1):16-21. Epub 2021 Feb 26.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder which can have a strong impact on patients' quality of life including influence on various social aspects and psychological ramifications. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and consequences of IBS in medical students and junior doctors in Malta.
An online survey was sent out to all medical students enrolled at University of Malta and all doctors training with the Malta Foundation Programme.
The prevalence of IBS was 17.7% (total number =192), with 6.2% being previously diagnosed with IBS and the rest (11.5%) having symptoms consistent with IBS according to the Rome IV criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in BMI and in activity level as determined by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire between IBS and non-IBS group.Absenteeism was significantly commoner in students/ doctors with IBS (47.1%) than in those without IBS (9.5%; p=0.0001). Of those previously diagnosed with IBS, 66.7% self-medicated compared to 45.4% of those diagnosed through the questionnaire. 71.6% of those in the IBS group tried dietary modification as to control their symptoms.On the Kessler 6 Distress scale, 91.2% of the IBS group had a score >6, with 44.1% having a score >13. The mean Visceral Sensitivity Index Score was 40.1 (95% CI 33.6 - 46.6).
IBS is prevalent, yet under-recognized, in medical students and junior doctors. Measures should be instituted for timely, confidential detection and management of IBS and its related psychological consequences.
肠易激综合征（IBS）是一种常见的功能性胃肠道疾病，会对患者的生活质量产生强烈影响，包括对各种社会方面和心理影响。本研究的目的是评估马耳他医学生和初级医生中 IBS 的患病率和后果。
向马耳他大学的所有医学生和马耳他基础计划培训的所有医生发送了在线调查。
IBS 的患病率为 17.7%（总人数=192），其中 6.2%被先前诊断为 IBS，其余（11.5%）根据罗马 IV 标准存在符合 IBS 的症状。IBS 组和非 IBS 组的 BMI 和 Godin 休闲时间运动问卷确定的活动水平无统计学差异。IBS 患者/医生的旷工率明显高于无 IBS 患者（47.1%比 9.5%；p=0.0001）。在那些被诊断为 IBS 的人中，66.7%的人自我治疗，而通过问卷诊断的人中只有 45.4%的人自我治疗。71.6%的 IBS 组试图通过饮食改变来控制症状。在 Kessler 6 痛苦量表上，IBS 组中有 91.2%的人得分>6，其中 44.1%的人得分>13。平均内脏敏感性指数得分为 40.1（95%CI 33.6-46.6）。
IBS 在医学生和初级医生中普遍存在，但认识不足。应采取措施，及时、保密地发现和管理 IBS 及其相关的心理后果。
