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Published on: February 1, 2012
A Cross-Sectional Study on Pediatric Resident Knowledge and Perceptions of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory
Ghassan A Sukkar1, Reem E Kordi2, Rafif Y Alahmadi3
1Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, SAU.
Insights
Pediatric residents recognize irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but often underestimate IBS severity. Enhanced training is needed to address knowledge gaps and resident burnout for improved pediatric gastrointestinal care.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Education
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic GI disorders with overlapping symptoms but distinct management.
- Understanding pediatric residents' perceptions of IBS and IBD is crucial for effective training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pediatric residents' knowledge, diagnostic approaches, and perceptions of IBS versus IBD.
- To identify potential gaps in resident training regarding these common pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional online survey of 197 pediatric residents in Western Saudi Arabia (Jan-Apr 2025).
- Utilized case scenarios to evaluate diagnostic reasoning and perceptions.
- Employed descriptive and comparative statistical analyses.
Main Results:
- Residents correctly identified IBS as a diagnosis of exclusion but showed diagnostic process gaps.
- IBD was perceived as more critical than IBS, with IBS symptoms sometimes viewed as exaggerated.
- High rates of resident burnout (86.3%) were reported; junior residents better adhered to updated criteria.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric residents possess foundational awareness of IBS and IBD but require enhanced education on IBS's impact.
- Addressing resident burnout and refining training strategies are essential for improving future clinical practice in pediatric gastroenterology.
Background:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic gastrointestinal disorders with overlapping features but different management needs. Little is known about how pediatric residents perceive these conditions.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and April 2025 among pediatric residents in Western Saudi Arabia. A structured online questionnaire assessed knowledge, diagnostic approaches, and perceptions using case scenarios. The data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics.
Results:
A total of 197 residents completed the survey, with the majority aged 20-29 years. Nearly all identified IBS as an abdominal pain disorder (95.9%) and a diagnosis of exclusion (94.4%), but many showed gaps in applying the full diagnostic process. IBD was more often viewed as a critical condition requiring emergency referral (p<0.001), while IBS was perceived as less serious and frequently associated with symptom exaggeration. Psychological referral was endorsed for both conditions. Burnout was reported by 86.3% of residents, and junior trainees demonstrated greater adherence to updated diagnostic criteria.
Conclusion:
Residents showed basic awareness of IBS and IBD but underestimated the impact of IBS. Improved training and strategies are necessary to address burnout and strengthen future clinical care.
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