The spectra of selected functional gastrointestinal disorders in Sudanese university students according to the Rome III criteria

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders  (FGIDs) including functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional constipation (FC) was not studied in Sudan.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to estimate prevalence of these disorders in Sudanese university students using Rome III criteria.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among medical students in Omdurman Islamic University during the period from January to June 2012. The selected volunteers responded to a self-reported questionnaire based on Rome III criteria.
Results: A total of 348 subjects were studied. Male: Female ratio was 0.6: 1. Prevalence of FD, IBS and FC were 21.6%, 12.9% and 10.3% respectively. IBS was more prevalent in females (16.4%) compared to males (7%). The most prevalent symptoms were postprandial fullness (74.1%), straining during .25% of defecation (43.9%) and lumpy or hard stools in .25% of defecations (37%).
Conclusion: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are common in university students. Further studies are needed to characterize the epidemiology of FGIDs in Sudan.

Key words: Functional gastrointestinal disorders, dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, Sudan.