Functional disability in adolescents and young adults with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: the role of academic, social, and athletic competence.

OBJECTIVE To examine perceived academic, social, and athletic competence as potential moderators of the relation between symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional disability in adolescents and young adults with a history of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). METHODS We assessed IBS symptoms, competence, and disability by telephone interview in RAP patients five years following their medical evaluation. RESULTS For both male and female subjects, the relation between symptoms and disability was stronger at lower levels of perceived academic competence. Furthermore, among females, the relation between symptoms and disability was stronger at lower levels of perceived social competence; among males, the relation was stronger at lower levels of perceived athletic competence. CONCLUSIONS Perceived competence moderated the relation between IBS symptoms and functional disability. Interventions designed to enhance patient competence in various roles may be useful in reducing disability among adolescents and young adults with symptoms of IBS.