Epidemiology and Impact of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction in Multiethnic Malaysia: An In-Depth Analysis of Local...

Previous epidemiology studies from Malaysia on disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) have utilized variable criteria. Furthermore, the impact of DGBI on quality of life (QoL), healthcare utilization, diet, work productivity, and sleep in a multiethnic Asian setting like Malaysia remains underexplored. Here, we aimed to determine the epidemiology and impact of DGBI among multiethnic Malaysians based on the Rome IV criteria.

2072 Malaysian participants from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES) with complete data on DGBI were included in the in-depth analysis. We assessed the prevalence of DGBI diagnoses, psychological distress, QoL, healthcare utilization, dietary patterns, impact on sleep, work productivity, and activity impairment.

The overall prevalence of any DGBI in Malaysia was 19.3% (95% CI 17.6%-21.0%). The top three most prevalent DGBI diagnoses were functional constipation (5.1%; 95% CI 4.2%-6.1%), functional dyspepsia (3.4%; 95% CI 2.7%-4.3%), and functional diarrhea (1.6%; 95% CI 1.1%-2.2%). Participants with DGBI reported higher levels of psychological distress (somatization, anxiety, and depression), significantly higher healthcare utilization, and dietary change (low FODMAPs but higher Mediterranean-based diet and probiotics). Furthermore, there was greater daytime sleepiness and higher proportions of presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity impairment in individuals with DGBI.

The disease burden of DGBI is significant in Malaysia, with increased psychological distress, healthcare utilization, dietary change, greater daytime sleepiness, and greater overall work and activity impairment.