Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Functional Dyspepsia and their Overlap in Bulgaria: a Population-Based Study

Aims: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia (FD), and their overlap syndrome (OS) in the Bulgarian population and to assess the risk factors associated with these disorders. Methods: We sent an internet-based survey to Bulgarian adults. The survey collected data on socio- demographic, behavioral and lifestyle characteristics, and diagnostic questions following the Rome IV criteria to assess IBS, FD and their overlap occurrence. Results: Data was collected from 1,896 individuals (mean age = 35.5 years, 18-65, SD=11.7), 73.1% females. The prevalence of IBS was 20% (14% were with predominant constipation, 32% with predominant diarrhea, 52% had IBS with mixed bowel habits, and 2% unclassified IBS). Gender (p=0.005), age (p