Gut-Brain Connection; IBS linked to Anxiety, Quality of Life, and Academic Performance in Undergraduate Students

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease that affects the lower gastrointestinal tract. It causes several distressing abdominal symptoms that affect the quality of life, emotional well-being, and academic performance of undergraduate students. Chronic stress affects many processes including immunity and angiogenesis. Our cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of IBS and its impact on anxiety levels, quality of life, and academic performance among undergraduate students. Method: A total of 357 students (male and female) were randomly selected. IBS prevalence was assessed using Rome III criteria and Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire. Anxiety and quality of life were measured using Beck Anxiety Inventory and IBS-Quality of Life Questionnaire respectively. Results: About 16% of students had IBS with the majority from medical departments. Females had a higher IBS prevalence due to diet, lifestyle, and cultural habits. Students with IBS showed high levels of anxiety, below-average quality of life, low academic performance, and insufficient knowledge of IBS. Interestingly, negative, and positive correlations (p =.000) were found between the demographic variables. However, the anxiety levels and quality of life were significantly correlated. Conclusion: Several factors, such as social characteristics, diet, and posttraumatic stress disorder caused by wars, are significantly correlated with IBS development, and could impact students' lives. Our findings can pave the way for creating preventive measures, including stress management and health education programs, to curb the incidence of IBS and anxiety among undergraduate students. Therefore, appropriate interventions are necessary to address the student’s mental health with IBS and improve their academic and personal lives.