Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the Saudi Population: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review examines the available literature on the epidemiology and risk factors of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the Saudi population. A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines to identify studies assessing IBS prevalence and risk factors in Saudi Arabia. A total of 22 studies involving 20,755 participants met the inclusion criteria. Most studies (21/22) used ROME IV criteria for IBS diagnosis, while one study used a self-administered questionnaire. The reported prevalence of IBS ranged from 2.7% to 83.3%, with an overall prevalence of 26.3% (5461 cases). Significant risk factors for IBS included depression, anxiety, a family history of IBS, female gender, student status, and middle age, while patients with IBS were more likely to exhibit higher levels of anxiety, depression, and nomophobia. Dietary habits also played a role, with the non-IBS group consuming more fiber and niacin, whereas the IBS group consumed more energy and carbohydrates. The findings of this systematic review highlight the substantial burden of IBS in Saudi Arabia and underscore the importance of dietary patterns, psychosocial factors, and genetic predisposition in its onset and severity. Given these insights, public health initiatives should focus on patient education and culturally tailored interventions for the effective management of IBS.