Functional gastrointestinal disorders among healthcare professionals at a tertiary Australian hospital

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, characteristics, and associations of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) among healthcare professionals.

A qualitative survey was conducted among the staff at a tertiary Australian hospital between January 2017 and June 2018. Rome III criteria (excluding endoscopic) were used to define FGID. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore associations.

Of the 274 respondents (17% doctors, 66% nurses, 17% others; 77% female), 54% had experienced GI symptoms ≥3 times per week and 23% were diagnosed with FGIDs (2% IBS, 19% FD, 2% both). GI symptoms were more common in females (58% vs. 38%), Caucasians versus Asians (59% vs. 35%), respondents who were easily (67% vs. 40%) or often stressed (58% vs. 37%), and had irregular working hours (62% vs. 46%, each P < 0.05). Independent predictors of GI symptoms included being easily stressed (OR 2.7) and female sex (OR 2.4), while Asian ethnicity was protective (OR 0.42, each P < 0.05). FGIDs were more prevalent in respondents who often felt stressed (27% vs. 10%), felt easily stressed (29% vs. 17%), and in nurses compared to others (27% vs. 16%; each P < 0.05). The only independent predictor of FGID was being often stressed (OR 4.1, P = 0.011).

FGIDs and GI symptoms are prevalent among hospital workers. Stress, female sex, irregular working hours, and non-Asian ethnicity appeared to be associated with GI symptoms and FGIDs.