Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome: results of a cross-sectional study in Casablanca

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic intestinal disorder that affects plenty of people worldwide. It is mainly characterized by abdominal pain at least once a week during the last three months, associated with a change in stool form or frequency. While its global prevalence appears to vary widely between different countries, data in the Arab world, and more specifically in Morocco, remains non-existent.Aim: Our aim is to determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in Casablanca.Method: Descriptive study conducted in various health centers in Casablanca involving 411 participants. Data was collected using a questionnaire developed and administered by a dietitian and covering the participants' sociodemographic variables, in addition to the Rome IV criteria for diagnosis. The entire protocol was validated by an ethics committee.Results: The study concluded that the prevalence was 23%. Our sample consisted of 116 men vs. 295 women with a mean age of 42.7 years. The distribution according to disease subtypes was as follows: 49% IBS-C, 18% IBS-D, and 33% IBS-M.Conclusion: IBS is common in the population of Casablanca, with a prevalence similar to that in Arab countries. The major challenge is to extend this work to other regions of the country.