Abstract: Background: The stressful life of medical students may worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, which is a chronic common disorder of the large intestine. In Saudi Arabia, chronic diseases are considered the cause for 69% of all deaths in 2002. Objectives: to identify the prevalence of chronic diseases, especially the prevalence of IBS among medical students at the University, and also to identify the risk factors contributing to IBS. Methods: A community-based Observational study was conducted among 555 students at the College of Medicine at the University over the period 1 – 29 May 2014. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from all subjects included in the study. Results: The prevalence of Irritable bowel at the University was 10.5%. It was more prevalent in senior students reaching a peak in 5th year (16.8%) (p=0.022). There was significant relationship between IBS and students who have low socioeconomic status and low grades (GBA). Other chronic diseases were less in medical students than the general population in Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: The study illustrated a high prevalence of IBS among medical students at the University, so we recommend a structured program for stress management among students including sports and recreational facilities that are geared to reduce stress and prevent it from reaching pathological states.Abstract: Background: The stressful life of medical students may worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, which is a chronic common disorder of the large intestine. In Saudi Arabia, chronic diseases are considered the cause for 69% of all deaths in 2002. Objectives: to identify the prevalence of chronic diseases, especially the prevalence of IBS amon...Show More
