Abstract

This study aims to determine the frequency of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in the Chilean population and to evaluate the association of lifestyle in the development of IBS in the Chilean adult population based on a healthy life score. 503 adults were evaluated using questionnaires to assess dietary habits and lifestyles, including eating behavior, smoking, and physical activity, to derive a health score. Psychological STRESS was measured with the DASS-21 questionnaire, and dietary intake was recorded using a Consumer Trend Survey. Irritable Bowel Syndrome was diagnosed by ROME III criteria. The prevalence found was of 35 degrees%o of IBS according to ROME III criteria, there was no difference between sex. The intake of energy, protein, total fat and saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid were significantly higher in IBS subjects, also the intake of vegetables and white meat was lower in IBS subjects and caffeine intake was higher. In the risk analysis, we found that the subjects in the higher healthy score had 35 degrees%o lower risk of developing IBS. These results suggest that lifestyle could contribute to preventing IBS, therefore, stimulating adequate dietary habits, physical activity, giving up smoking and controlling psychological stress could have effects on gastrointestinal health.