Prevalence and Associated Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome among Medical Students: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Psychosocial and lifestyle factors most commonly influence irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There is limited evidence regarding the burden of IBS among medical interns in India. The current study was carried out to determine the prevalence of IBS and its associated factors among medical interns. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted among medical interns at a tertiary care teaching hospital for 1 year from March 2025 to February 2026. Of the 250 interns invited, 218 participated. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary habits were assessed using self-administered questionnaire. Physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. IBS was diagnosed by trained medical faculty through personal interviews and clinical examination using the Rome III criteria. Factors independently associated with IBS were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The data were analyzed using software Epi Info version 7 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, and Jeffreys Amazing statistics Program (JASP).