OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) on quality of life (QoL) measures, with specific focus on symptoms experienced and their impact upon diet, lifestyle, and mood. Insights into triggers of IBS flare-ups and the potential barriers to the use of prebiotics, in particular human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), will be used to inform the design of a prospective human dietary intervention trial.

METHOD

Five virtual focus groups were held between March 2022 and January 2023. Thirteen females and eleven males were recruited around Berkshire, UK and through social media to attend a single, same-sex focus group. Thematic analysis of transcripts was undertaken. Themes were organised using a semantic coding tree.

RESULTS

Low QoL in IBS was apparent. Triggers which resulted in worsening symptoms or flares discussed by the groups were all consistent with well-recognised triggers for IBS in the literature and clinical practice. Few participants (6 out of 24) had tried biotic-based therapies (e.g. probiotics, prebiotics) and knew little to nothing about HMOs.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with IBS could be made more aware of novel therapy options such as prebiotic HMOs which may improve IBS symptoms.