Dietary habits and their association with irritable bowel syndrome among the public population in Saudi Arabia: a multicenter based study.

BACKGROUND

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting approximately 5.7% of the general population, with dietary factors frequently implicated in symptom exacerbation. Despite growing interest, evidence linking specific dietary behaviors to IBS symptom experience remains inconsistent.

AIM: This study examines the associations between dietary habits and IBS symptom experience in adults and evaluates the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and dietary behaviors.

METHODS

A descriptive correlational, multicenter study was conducted over a six-month period across several cities within the Qassim region, in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. A total of 552 adults aged ≥20 years were recruited using online convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire comprising three sections sociodemographic characteristics, IBS symptom experience using a symptom checklist, health history assessment, dietary habits and eating behaviours. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection, and informed consent was secured electronically. Participant confidentiality and data anonymity were strictly maintained throughout the study.

RESULTS

Among 552 participants, several dietary behaviors showed statistically significant but weak correlations with IBS symptom experience. Regular water intake (ρ = -0.16, p < 0.01), eating with family (ρ = -0.09, p = 0.03), and frequent consumption of grains and legumes (ρ = -0.08 to -0.09, p ≤ 0.05) were negatively associated with IBS symptoms, indicating a lower symptom burden. In contrast, eating in a hurry (ρ = 0.09, p = 0.05), frequent snacking (ρ = 0.09, p = 0.03), and higher intake of spicy foods (ρ = 0.08, p = 0.05) and sweets (ρ = 0.09, p = 0.01) were positively associated with IBS symptom severity. Sociodemographic factors also showed significant associations with dietary behaviors. Age demonstrated positive associations with healthier dietary patterns and negative associations with less healthy behaviors (e.g., hurried eating and sweets intake). Educational level showed positive associations with structured eating behaviors, whereas smoking status was positively associated with less healthy dietary behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Unhealthy dietary habits were significantly associated with both the presence and severity of IBS symptoms among adults in the Qassim region. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors further influenced these dietary behaviours. These findings emphasize the importance of patient-centred nutritional education, structured lifestyle modification programs, and individualized dietary interventions to enhance adherence and optimize IBS management.