Title : Frequency and Association of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among university students and graduates in Pakistan: A cross-sectional analysis
Abstract:
Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are prevalent conditions that significantly impact quality of life. However, their co-occurrence and potential associations remain underexplored, especially among university students and graduates in Pakistan.
Objectives: To determine the frequency of IBS and ADHD, explore their associations, and identify related risk factors among university students and graduates in Pakistan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 163 participants aged 18–35 years, recruited through convenience sampling using an online questionnaire. IBS was assessed using Rome IV criteria, while ADHD symptoms were evaluated with Part A of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify associations and adjust for potential confounders.
Results: The prevalence of IBS was 41.1%, significantly associated with gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.19–0.72, p=0.003), depression (AOR: 5.99; 95% CI: 3.07–11.69, p=0.002), and anxiety (AOR: 1.60; 95% CI: 0.79–3.25, p=0.002). ADHD prevalence was 31.9%, with protective factors including moderate physical activity (AOR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.02–0.65, p=0.026) and enrollment in pharmaceutical fields compared to MBBS (AOR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10–0.91, p=0.035). No significant association was observed between IBS and ADHD (AOR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.55–2.10, p=0.831).
Conclusions: IBS and ADHD are prevalent among university students and graduates, with distinct associations and risk factors. IBS was significantly associated with gender and regression analysis revealed that it is more associated with female gender compared to male, while ADHD was less likely in those with moderate physical activity and pharmaceutical field enrollment. However, no significant association was found between IBS and ADHD, underscoring the need for further research to explore shared mechanisms and confounding factors.
Keywords: IBS, ADHD, prevalence, university students, risk factors, Pakistan
