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Multicultural considerations in the diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome

Authors :
Laurie Keefer
Sarah Ballou
Source :
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. :1
Publication Year :
2013
Publisher :
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), 2013.

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by chronic and recurrent abdominal symptoms with no associated organic abnormalities. Although IBS has traditionally been considered to be more common in western cultures, a review of the literature reveals that IBS is truly a worldwide illness, affecting people in many different cultural and geographic areas. According to this review, a reasonable range for the worldwide prevalence of IBS is between 5 and 15%. Several theories for varying prevalence rates around the world are presented in this paper and methodological difficulties are discussed. Finally, this short review provides an analysis of cultural, biological, and socioeconomic differences in IBS presentation and treatment around the world.

Details

ISSN :
0954691X
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....d86b30d678314140954b75000aee2d59
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1097/meg.0b013e3283632bf2