IBS in Jordanian Med Students: What the Numbers Say

Paragraph 1: A new survey looked at how common irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is among medical students in three Jordanian universities. The study aimed to see if lifestyle habits and mental health play a role in who gets IBS. Paragraph 2: The researchers used the Rome III guidelines to diagnose IBS and asked students about sleep, anxiety, depression, smoking, exercise, and diet. They collected answers from 572 students across all years of study. Paragraph 3: Results showed that about one third (33. 7%) of the students had IBS. Half of those had mixed symptoms, while smaller groups reported constipation‑only or diarrhea‑only patterns. Paragraph 4: Family history stood out as the biggest risk factor, nearly doubling a student’s chance of IBS. Smoking and borderline anxiety also raised the odds, though established depression did not show a clear link.Paragraph 5: Senior students in their final year faced the highest risk, possibly because of heavier coursework and exam pressure. Physical activity appeared protective, but the evidence was not strong enough to confirm it statistically. Paragraph 6: No clear connection emerged between IBS and gender, body weight, sleep quality, or junk food consumption. The study highlights that both inherited traits and everyday habits can influence IBS among future doctors. Paragraph 7: Because this is the first multi‑university study in Jordan to combine psychological, sleep, and lifestyle data, it offers a useful baseline for health programs aimed at medical students. Future research should follow students over time to understand how these factors interact.