Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habits without any organic or structural abnormalities. It is a multifaceted condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals and represents a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. With an estimated global prevalence ranging from 5% to 20%, IBS is considered one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders [1-3].

Although IBS is a global health concern, our understanding of its prevalence, impact and management is largely derived from research conducted in Western countries. The perception and awareness of IBS may vary considerably across different regions, cultures and communities. As such, it is imperative to investigate the awareness and knowledge of IBS within specific populations to tailor educational programs and healthcare interventions accordingly [3,4].

The District of Moga, located in the northwestern state of Punjab, India, is a region characterized by a unique sociodemographic and cultural landscape. Punjab is renowned for its distinct cuisine and dietary habits, which may have a direct or indirect influence on the prevalence and management of gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS. Furthermore, the healthcare infrastructure and access to medical resources in this region may shape the perception and management of IBS [5,6].

This study aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap by comprehensively assessing the levels of awareness and knowledge regarding Irritable Bowel Syndrome among the general population of District Moga, Punjab. By doing so, we aspire to shed light on the regional variations in IBS awareness, potential cultural factors affecting its management and inform strategies for improved patient education and healthcare delivery in this specific context.

Ultimately, the findings from this study have the potential to contribute to the development of targeted public health campaigns, educational initiatives, and healthcare policies tailored to the needs of the District Moga population, with the overarching goal of enhancing the management and quality of life for individuals living with IBS in this region.

Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is to gauge the levels of awareness and knowledge about Irritable Bowel Syndrome among the general population of District Moga, Punjab.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area: District Moga, Punjab

• Study duration: Between March 2023 to May 2023

• Study population: The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Moga, Punjab for a minimum of 12 months

• Sample size: A robust sample size of 400 adults was determined using a 95% confidence level, an estimated knowledge level of 50% regarding Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a precise 5% absolute error margin and a conservative 5% non-response rate 

• Study tool: A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography and knowledge regarding Irritable Bowel Syndrome was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of participants to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents

• Description of Tool: 

• Demographic data survey instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education and many more

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding Irritable Bowel Syndrome. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80% (16-20) = very good,60-79%(12-15) = Good, 41-59% (8-11) = Fair, <40% (<8) = poor

• Validity of tool: By the experts in this field

• Data collection: Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated among the residents of District Moga, Punjab for responses using online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like Whatsapp groups, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin till the 400 responses were collected

• Data analysis: Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage. 

• Ethical Considerations: Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained

The primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding of Irritable Bowel Syndrome among the general population of District Moga, Punjab. A total of 400 participants took part in the study, with 265 (66.25%) residing in urban areas and 135 (33.75%) in rural areas (Table 1).

In the present study 21.75% (87) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 30.25% (121) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 29.5% (118) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 18.5% (74) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Table 2).

Table 1: Knowledge Regarding Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Study Participants

Table 2: Knowledge Scores Towards Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Study Participants

The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the awareness and knowledge levels of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) among the general population of District Moga, Punjab. IBS, being a globally prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, warrants an understanding of its perception within specific cultural and regional contexts for effective healthcare delivery and public health initiatives.

The results reveal a diverse range of knowledge levels among the participants. Approximately 21.75% of the respondents demonstrated a very good understanding of IBS, scoring between 16 to 20 points on the knowledge assessment. This group exhibited a comprehensive grasp of IBS, including its definition, symptoms, diagnostic criteria and management strategies. Another 30.25% showed good knowledge, indicating a solid foundation in IBS-related information. However, it is noteworthy that a considerable proportion of the population had fair 29.5% or poor 18.5% knowledge, scoring below 12 points.

This distribution of knowledge levels reflects the need for targeted educational interventions within District Moga to improve overall IBS awareness. Educational campaigns should address not only the general population but also target subgroups with lower knowledge levels, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap and ensure a more informed community [7,8].

The study's location in District Moga, Punjab, adds a unique cultural dimension to the findings. Punjab is known for its distinct cuisine and dietary habits, which may influence the prevalence and management of gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS. The study did not directly explore the impact of dietary factors on IBS knowledge, but future research could delve deeper into this aspect, as it might help tailor dietary recommendations to local preferences.

When comparing the findings of this study with research conducted in other regions, it is evident that IBS awareness levels can vary significantly. Studies conducted in Western countries, where research on IBS has been more extensive, tend to report higher levels of awareness and knowledge. In contrast, studies in regions with less exposure to IBS-related information may reveal lower levels of understanding, as seen in the present study.4-8

These regional variations underscore the importance of region-specific educational campaigns. Information dissemination strategies should consider cultural nuances and dietary practices that may affect the perception and management of IBS. By drawing on successful models from other regions while adapting to the local context, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop effective awareness and education initiatives tailored to District Moga's unique needs.

The findings of this study carry significant implications for healthcare providers, public health officials and policymakers in District Moga. It is evident that there is room for improvement in IBS awareness and knowledge levels among the population. Addressing this knowledge gap is crucial for several reasons:

• Timely Diagnosis and Management: Increased awareness can lead to earlier recognition of IBS symptoms, prompting individuals to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis. Timely intervention can enhance the management of IBS and improve patients' quality of life

• Reduced Stigma: Raising awareness can reduce the stigma associated with gastrointestinal disorders, fostering a more supportive and understanding community for individuals living with IBS

• Optimized Healthcare Resource Utilization: A well-informed population is more likely to utilize healthcare resources efficiently, reducing unnecessary visits and tests, which can be beneficial both for patients and the healthcare system

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Empowering individuals with knowledge about IBS can help them make informed lifestyle choices and dietary decisions, potentially alleviating symptoms and enhancing their overall quality of life

To address these implications, healthcare providers, in collaboration with public health agencies, can design and implement culturally sensitive educational programs. These programs should not only target the general population but also focus on healthcare professionals to ensure accurate diagnosis and management of IBS.

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the current levels of awareness and knowledge regarding Irritable Bowel Syndrome within District Moga, Punjab. While some participants exhibited a strong understanding of IBS, a substantial proportion had limited knowledge. These findings emphasize the need for region-specific educational initiatives that consider cultural factors and dietary practices. By enhancing IBS awareness and knowledge, we can improve the diagnosis, management and quality of life for individuals living with IBS in District Moga.

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