Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) on Health-Related Quality of Life in South East Asia

Abstract

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a long-term GI condition marked by irregular bowel movements. According to studies, the prevalence of IBS worldwide is 11.5% (10–15%), and the majority of patients experience recurring episodes. To assess and contrast the symptoms and quality of life of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients in Southeast Asia, we conducted this systematic study. Articles comparing different populations and age groups on this topic are scarce, so we aim to fill that gap with this review. Methodology: This systematic review is conducted in compliance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PUBMED, Google Scholar, and PakMediNet were searched using combinations of keywords to retrieve from each database the studies published from inception up till 22nd October 2022. No language restrictions were put forth. All the relevant articles were transferred to Zotero and screened to remove duplicates. Results: After conducting a thorough search via several databases, we found 9 papers that fit our inclusion criteria and examined the effects of IBS and its impact on patients’ quality of life in Southeast Asia. Our data proposed that IBS constitutes a tremendous burden on the healthcare system of Southeast Asia and has deleterious effects on the Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of patients in Southeast Asia. Our systematic review showed that Irritable bowel syndrome has a significant association with diminished quality of life. Studies showed that there is a strong association between psychosocial symptoms, generalized symptoms of menstrual pain, bloating, belching, and vomiting. Stress was established as a correlative of IBS, while a study
also discovered the association of employment with IBS and found IBS to be significantly higher among employed personnel. These symptoms negatively impact the patient's daily life activities and thus contribute enormously towards the depreciation of their quality of life. Conclusion: There is an unignorable research void related to QoL of dementia patients which presses on the need to explore various health aspects relevant to it. Moreover, more investment in dementia care provision, dementia-specific research fields, and dementia specialist training should be made.