Abstract
We analyzed the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its relation to lifestyle and depression quotient in a general population in Japan. Seven-hundred and sixty-three adults (288 males and 475 females) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study of the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2008. Self-questionnaires regarding smoking habit, alcohol consumption, exercise habit, dietary habit and depression quotient (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) were given out. Each participant was checked for IBS according to the Rome II criteria. The odds ratios for IBS prevalence were calculated using a multiple logistic regression analysis with age, body mass index, depression quotient, exercise habit, smoking habit, alcohol consumption and five dietary patterns as the explanatory variables. In genders, depression quotient showed high odds ratios for the incidence of IBS. Alcohol consumption showed a significantly high odds ratio for the incidence of IBS in males and the Japanese traditional dietary pattern had a significantly lower odds ratio in females. In conclusion, in order to prevent the occurrence of IBS in a general population in Japan, abstinence from alcohol for men, the Japanese traditional dietary pattern for women and mental management in both genders may be recommend.
