Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study in Tunisia

Background Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional bowel disorder significantly impacting patients' quality of life. This study aimed to assess the quality of life in Tunisian IBS patients and identify associated factors. Methods A prospective, single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted at Charles Nicole Hospital in Tunis from February 2019 to January 2020. One hundred patients meeting Rome IV criteria for IBS were included. Quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 Health Survey (MOS SF-36), translated into Tunisian dialect. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Statistical analysis involved descriptive and univariate analyses. Results The mean age of participants was 50.53 years, with 65% being female. The overall SF-36 score was a mean of 41.2%, with Physical Component Summary (PCS) averaging 42.5% and Mental Component Summary (MCS) averaging 39.9%. All quality of life scores were significantly lower than those reported for the general Tunisian population. Factors associated with impaired quality of life included advanced age, female gender, low educational attainment, unemployment or private sector employment, low socioeconomic status, hypertension, hypothyroidism, overweight/obesity, diabetes, marital status, and constipation-predominant IBS. Specifically, constipation-predominant IBS (54% of cases) was associated with impaired mental quality of life. Conclusion IBS patients in Tunisia experience a significantly reduced quality of life across both physical and mental domains. Several modifiable sociodemographic and clinical factors contribute to this impairment. Addressing these factors through improved socioeconomic conditions, management of comorbidities, and psychological support could optimize patient care and improve their quality of life.