Authors: Diallo Mamadou Sarifou, Youssouf Oumarou, Kanté Boubacar, Diallo Abdourahmane N'Djouria, Diallo Kadiatou, Wann Thierno Amadou, Diallo Djenabou, Bah Mamadou LamineYaya, Diakhaby Mamadou, Kanté Mamadou Aliou, Sylla Djibril, Soro Dramane.
Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) represents a real public health problem. It is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and intestinal transit abnormalities, in the absence of identifiable organic substrate. It is a clinical entity whose prevalence, impact on the quality of life of individuals and the health costs generated are significant. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome, clinical aspects, triggering and/or aggravating and calming factors in medical students.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. It was carried out from June 8, 2023 to December 8, 2023, i.e. a period of six (06) months. The study took place in the faculties of medicine of the Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry and the University of La Source and meeting the criteria of Rome IV.
Results: Three hundred cases of IBS out of 633 surveyed, representing a prevalence of 47.4%, were recorded. There was a male predominance with a M/F sex ratio of 2.13. The average age was 22.51 years with extremes of 18 and 35 years. The main clinical signs were constipation in 74.4%, abdominal pain (61.4%), abdominal bloating 49.77%, diarrhea 31.4% and alternating diarrhea/constipation 13.02%. The most frequent extradigestive manifestations were: headaches 60%, physical asthenia 35% and dizziness 29%. The main triggering factors were: psychological factors 46% and dietary factors (cassava 40.4%, okra 32%, beans 20.3%). The calming factors were: the emission of gas (farts) in 68% of cases, defecation in 57.9% of cases, eating meals in 32% of cases, sleep in 15.5% of cases.
Conclusion: IBS is a public health problem that impairs the quality of life of those affected. Abdominal pain, constipation and abdominal bloating constitute the symptomatic triad. Stress is a triggering factor for the symptoms.
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