Nutrition habits in youth as a trigger factor for the development of IBS-like symptoms

The aim of the study is to optimize health-saving technologies, to study the prevalence of IBS-like symptoms in relation to the nature of nutrition and eating habits in the youth environment.

Materials and methods: an anonymous survey of 3634 students studying at the Omsk State Medical University under the programs of higher and secondary vocational education was conducted. The prevalence of IBS-like symptoms was assessed in relation to the nature of the diet and eating habits.

Results and discussion: an analysis of the results revealed the presence of the following IBS-like symptoms  in the youth environment: abdominal pain — 2300 (63,29%), constipation — 1353 (37,23%), diarrhea — 1215  (33,43%) of the respondents. Abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea were more common among university students than in college (2I = 24,45, p <0,001, 2I = 42,16, p <0,001, 2I = 49,00, p <0,001, respectively). Abdominal pain and constipation were more common among girls (2I = 33,96, p <0,001 and 2I = 5,79, p <0,05, respectively). When choosing food products people with IBS-like symptoms are guided by the possibilities of the family budget, but not by the quality and usefulness of the products. People with abdominal  pain statistically signifi cantly consumed more coff ee (U = 1544300,5, p = 0,0048), people with diarrhea consumed milk and dairy products (2I = 14,36, p <0,05). All IBS-like symptoms were associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables (U = 1391865,5, p = 0,000, U = 1340501,5, p = 0.000, U = 1321122,5, p = 0,000 for abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea, respectively). The habit of adding food to foods without tasting it was more often observed among people with abdominal pain and diarrhea (2I = 18,85, p <0,001 and 2I = 16,94, p <0,001). Respondents complaining of abdominal pain also had an addiction to spicy foods (2I = 7.76, p <0.001). The frequency of meals did not aff ect the presence of IBS-like symptoms.  However respondents with IBS-like symptoms more often reported a limited time for eating, frequent overeating and the inability to eat at the same time. 

Conclusion: a high frequency of IBS-like symptoms in the youth environment was revealed. IBS-like symptoms are closely interconnected with eating disorders and eating habits. In addition, IBS-like symptoms have gender characteristics, and are also more common in students enrolled in higher education programs.. IBS-like symptoms have gender characteristics and are also more common in students enrolled in higher education programs.

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