Al Hikma University Studies the Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Medical Students in Yemen
Sana’a, Yemen — Al Hikma University conducted a scientific research study examining the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its associated factors among medical students at the Faculty of Medicine in Sana’a, Yemen, amid high academic stress and lifestyle-related risk factors.
The study was carried out as a partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree requirements at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of General Medicine and Surgery. Using a cross-sectional design, the research included 222 medical students and collected data through an electronic questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, psychological distress, and IBS-related symptoms and diagnosis. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.
The findings revealed that 27.8% of participants reported having irritable bowel syndrome, indicating that approximately one in four medical students is affected. The most commonly reported symptoms were abdominal bloating, excessive gas, and abdominal pain. A strong and statistically significant association was found between IBS and family history (OR = 3.61, p < 0.001), as well as psychological distress (OR = 12.97, p = 0.002). IBS was also significantly associated with impaired academic performance and reduced quality of life.
The research team included:
- Abdulraqep Muneer Saeed Mohammed
- Ali Abdullah Ali Al-Saiwi
- Ghaith Essam Ghalib Mohammed
- Abdulhamed Hafez Al-Makhlafi
- Mumtaz Tahir Hamoud Al-Sharabi
- Aseel Ahmed Ali Hassen Karta
- Fouad Fahmi Fouad Tarish
- Moadel Ahmed Hussein Moadel
- Mohammed Nabil Hamood Haidar
- Yusra Naji Obad Al-Fakih
- Belal Shwaqi Muhammad Arkham
- Muhammed Hussein Ali Alqra'ah
The study was supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Munirah Shahir, Head of the Department of Community Medicine at 21 September University, and co-supervised by Dr. Abdul Karim Abdullah Al-Mutawakel, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy.
The study concludes that irritable bowel syndrome is highly prevalent among medical students at Al Hikma University, primarily driven by genetic predisposition and severe psychological distress. The findings highlight the urgent need for mental health support programs and stress management interventions for this high-risk academic population.
