Irritable bowel syndrome in adults over 35 years in Shiraz, southern Iran: prevalence and associated factors

Background: the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) are common in the general population. the aim of this population-based study was to determine the prevalence of ibs and describe the associated factors including demographic, life style and health-seeking behaviors in shiraz city, southern iran. methods: from april to september 2004, 1978 subjects aged > 35 years old completed a validated and reliable questionnaire on ibs. results: the prevalence rate of ibs was 10.9%, higher in females, in 35-44 years old age group and among subjects eating fast food (14.1%) but was lower in those taking more fruits and vegetables (10.5%). the occurrence of anxiety, nightmare and restlessness was also significantly higher in subjects with ibs. it had an association with psychological distress and recurrent headaches but not with drinking tea/coffee, smoking or physical activity. conclusions: in our area, ibs was correlated with gender, age, psychological distress, recurrent headaches and consumption of fast foods that necessitate health planning programs by health policy makers.