Irritable Bowel Syndrome on the US Mexico Border: A Survey in an Indigent Population Using Rome III Criteria

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) prevalence varies widely in the US and Mexico.
• The epidemiological profile of IBS along the US-Mexico border remains understudied.
• Understanding IBS in this specific demographic is crucial for targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in an indigent Mexican American population.
• To explore the association between IBS and health perception.
• To investigate the relationship between IBS and health care-seeking behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 521 individuals in a colon cancer screening program (ACCION).
• Of those surveyed, 464 (89%) completed the questionnaire.
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified risk factors associated with IBS.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of IBS was found to be 5.6% (95% CI, 3.7-8.1), predominantly in women (6.9%) compared to men (1.7%).
• Factors significantly associated with IBS included fewer bowel movements per week, having a primary care physician, using herbal treatments, and a prior IBS diagnosis.
• The population surveyed was largely of Mexican birth (90.5%) with Spanish acculturation (94.8%).

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of IBS on the US-Mexico border is consistent with findings from studies in both countries.
• Consulting a primary care physician may indicate higher healthcare utilization among IBS patients.
• The use of herbal treatments suggests a potential cultural influence on health-seeking behaviors for IBS.