Dietary Triggers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Knowledge and Awareness Assessment

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess individuals' awareness and knowledge of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its dietary management. A total of 410 participants were included, and data was collected using an online survey. The results showed that a significant proportion of participants were aware of the association between IBS flares and diet, with 89.1% of females and 85.6% of males reporting this association. Additionally, 55.4% of females and 68% of males reported having treated or been related to a patient who limited their diet due to IBS. Most participants (81.4% of females and 81.6% of males) felt qualified to advise IBS patients on their diet. However, knowledge regarding specific dietary triggers for IBS symptoms varied, with 47.7% of females and 41.6% of males identifying dairy products as a cause of diarrhea in IBS patients and 43.9% of females and 47.2% of males identifying white bread/rice as a cause of constipation in IBS patients. Regarding dietary management, the majority of participants identified the low FODMAP diet as an appropriate diet for IBS patients. However, knowledge regarding recommended meal frequencies for IBS patients was poor. Only 9 (3.2%) females and 3 (2.4%) males identified the recommended consumption of 1 meal and 3 snacks for IBS patients. The study highlights the need for increased education and awareness among the general population regarding IBS and its dietary management. It is recommended that healthcare professionals provide education and resources for individuals to better manage IBS symptoms through dietary modifications.