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Irritable bowel syndrome in Kenyans
1Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
East African Medical Journal
|March 18, 2003
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 8% of black Kenyans, with similar presentation to Western patients. Diagnosis can be made through symptoms, reducing unnecessary investigations.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder.
- Limited data exists on IBS prevalence and characteristics in African populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of IBS in black Kenyans.
- To describe the clinical presentation of IBS in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of patient case files at Nairobi Hospital.
- Used modified Manning's Symptomatic criteria for IBS diagnosis.
- Included adult patients presenting with abdominal pain and normal investigations.
Main Results:
- Overall IBS prevalence was 8% (281/3472 patients).
- Peak prevalence in the 3rd decade, mean age 40 years.
- Male to female ratio was 1.4:1 (p=0.010); no significant gender difference in diarrhea/constipation.
Conclusions:
- Black Africans have comparable IBS exposure and morbidity to Western populations.
- IBS may account for over 10% of abdominal pain cases seen by African gastroenterologists.
- Symptom-based diagnosis is crucial, avoiding excessive investigations.