Age Differences in Core Symptoms and Symptom Relationships in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Network Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of gut-brain interaction, characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. It often co-occurs with extraintestinal somatic and psychological symptoms. However, the nature of the interrelationships among these symptoms is unclear. Although previous studies have noted age differences in IBS prevalence and specific symptom severity, it remains unknown whether specific symptoms and symptom relationships may differ by age.

Methods

Symptom data were collected in 355 adults with IBS (mean age 41.4 years, 86.2% female). Network analysis was used to examine the interrelationships among 28 symptoms and to identify the core symptoms driving the symptom structure between young (≤45 years) vs older (

SUBMITTER: Yang PL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10524048 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature