Sociocultural Aspects of the Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Management of Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction

Sociocultural determinants such as cultural norms, diet, and environmental factors, along with their effects on the gastrointestinal microbiome, can modify the risk to develop disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). These factors also shape symptom perception and health care-seeking behaviors, and how society and health care providers respond to patients with DGBI. This document summarizes the knowledge about the role of sociocultural factors in the manifestation of DGBI and the management of these patients. Symptom expression and societal response to DGBI varies across different cultural settings, influencing individual patient outcomes and the overall societal burden of disease. Patients with DGBI are often stigmatized, leading to a bias toward conditions with visible abnormalities and underfunded services for DGBI. Recognizing the role of sociocultural factors for DGBI outcomes presents an opportunity to refine pathophysiologic concepts and improve patient outcomes. This calls for greater awareness and equitable resource allocation for DGBI research and treatment.