ASSOCIATION OF DIETARY HABITS WITH IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME IN POPULATION OF DISTRICT KHAIRPUR MIRS, SINDH, PAKISTAN.

J Peop Univ Med Health Sci. 2025:15(2), 254-260. http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2025/15.02.648

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal
disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits in the absence of
detectable structural abnormalities. While dietary factors have been implicated in the
pathophysiology of IBS, limited data exist regarding this association in rural populations of
developing countries, including rural Sindh, Pakistan.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between specific dietary habits and the prevalence
of IBS among adults in rural Sindh, Pakistan.
METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between February and August
2024 in three rural districts of Sindh province. A total of 850 individuals aged 18–60 years
were recruited using multistage cluster sampling. The Rome IV criteria were used for IBS
diagnosis. Dietary habits were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire
(FFQ). Logistic regression was employed to determine associations, adjusting for
confounders such as age, gender, physical activity, and socioeconomic status.
RESULTS: Out of 850 participants, 176 (20.7%) were found to have IBS. High intake of
spicy foods (AOR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.62–3.64), low fiber intake (AOR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.25
2.86), frequent consumption of carbonated beverages (AOR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.41–3.25), and
irregular meal timings (AOR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.12–2.82) were significantly associated with
IBS. Protective dietary factors included daily consumption of vegetables (AOR: 0.56; 95%
CI: 0.36–0.88) and probiotic-rich foods (AOR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.39–0.94).
CONCLUSION: Specific dietary habits, particularly those involving spicy and low-fiber
foods, are significantly associated with IBS in rural Sindh. Dietary modification strategies
should be integrated into the management and prevention frameworks for IBS in these
communities.