The Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Asan city: Questionnaire Survey in Random Korean Population

Cho, Young Seok; Choi, Myung Gyu; Shin, Seok Jun; Choo, Kyo Young; Chung, Woo Chul; Lee, In Seok; Kim, Sang Woo; Choi, Hwang; Han, Sok Won; Chung, In Sik

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common in Caucasians and Japanese, but its epidemiology has not been studied in random Korean populations. It has been suggested that the variation in the prevalence of IBS may be due to the application of different diagnostic criteria. New criteria for IBS have been proposed (Rome II). The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of IBS in a random population in Asan city, Korea by using the Bowel Symptom Questionnaire (BSQ), which was based on the multinational, diagnostic, Rome II criteria for functional bowel disorders, as a measure of GI symptoms and to compare diagnostic criteria.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey, using a reliable and valid questionnaire based on the fulfillment of the Rome II criteria was performed in a random population in Asan city, Korea, on residents aged 18~69 yr. The response rate was 78.4% (n=1417). All respondents were interviewed at either their homes or offices by a team of interviewers.
RESULTS
The prevalence for IBS according to the Rome II, Rome I, and Manning criteria was 2.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4~3.0), 2.8% (95% CI, 1.9~3.7), and 3.6% (95% CI, 2.6~4.6), respectively. There was moderate agreement between the Manning and Rome II criteria (kappa=0.48; p<0.001), and between the Manning and Rome II criteria (kappa=0.50; p<0.001), but substantial agreement between the Rome I and Rome II criteria (kappa=0.66; p<0.001). The prevalence for abdominal bloating was 4.0% (95% CI, 3.0~5.1), for diarrhea was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3~1.2), and for constipation was 2.6% (95% CI, 1.8~3.5).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of IBS based on the Rome II criteria was 2.2%. The prevalence of IBS varied substantially depending on the specific definition of IBS used.