Irritable Bowel Syndrome among the Nepalese residing in Brunei Darussalam

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common in the West and increasing in the East. Little is known regarding the prevalence among the Nepalese population. This questionnaire study assessed the prevalence of IBS among the Nepalese residing in the Brunei Darussalam. Materials and Methods: Subjects living in two army quarters were invited to participate in this study. Diagnosis of IBS was based on established criteria. Results: Overall, 304 out of 320 with completed questionnaire were available for analysis. The mean age was 40.2 ± 6.1 years with gender ratio of 208 (68.4%) female: 96 (31.6%) male. The prevalence of IBS was 10.9% (n = 33), with rate of 10.4% in men and 11.1% in women (p=0.867). There was no difference in age, body mass index, duration of current residence, smoking status, alcohol use, supplement use, comorbid conditions, follow up and any past endoscopic experience. IBS subjects experienced more backache, fatigue, feeling of depression, insomnia and shortness of breath (all p values <0.05). IBS subjects also experienced more of other gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusions: The prevalence of IBS among the Nepalese population residing in Brunei Darussalam is similar to what has been reported. There was no gender predilection. IBS was significantly associated with certain psychosomatic symptoms of depression.