Demographic, social and clinical characteristics in patients with irritable bowel syndrome in Mashhad in 2013

Chronic gastrointestinal disorders, imposes stress and large economic burden on society and the health care system. Including chronic disorders, irritable bowel syndrome can be noted. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome in Mashhad for further recognition of the disease in Iranian society. Subjects and This cross-sectional study in 2013 was conducted on 323 patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Sampling method was based on purposive. For the purposes of this study, the recorded data entered into SPSS software were analyzed. The descriptive statistical methods were used for description of the subjects, and to compare variables in subgroups of patients, parametric (analysis of variance) and nonparametric (Kruskal-wallis) tests were used. P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The subtype of mixed had the highest frequency and subtype of constipation had the lowest frequency. Female to male ratio was 1.5 to 1 and gender distribution had not significant differences in four subtypes (P=0.1). Duration of disease was approximately 4.5 years that was significantly different in four subtypes (P=0.03). The patients had at least one visit to doctor every month. Clinical characteristics and social patterns were not significantly different in subgroups of IBS. Frequency of patient visiting the doctor was 12 times in a year for every patient, and these days of disability are a significant economic costs to individuals, society and the health system.