How are perceptions of social strain and low support related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome?-A Norwegian twin study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Social stress is related to symptom burden of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study explores the associations between IBS and social strain or low support in close relationships, including spouse, friends, and family, in a Norwegian twin cohort.

Methods

The sample included 5442 Norwegian twins aged 40-80, of whom 589 suffer from IBS. We used multivariate structural equation models to estimate genetic and environmental sources of variation and covariation underlying IBS liability, measures of social stress and the relationships between these. The co-twin control design was used to explore the nature of the associations between IBS and social strain or low support using models that test for causality.

Key results

Genetic effects explained between 30% and

SUBMITTER: Kutschke J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8047927 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature