[An epidemiologic study of irritable bowel syndrome among adolescents in China].

Objective: To explore the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its distribution characteristics among adolescents in China.

Methods: A stratified and randomized study by cluster sampling was employed, the study recruited 51 956 students from high and primary schools in different Chinese cities. All students were requested to fill in a questionnaire.

Results: The prevalence of IBS in China was 53.5% according to the Manning criterion and 20.2% according to the Rome II criterion. The prevalence in male and female students showed no significant difference (P>0.05), but there was higher prevalence of IBS in high school students. The prevalence of IBS was 53.3% according to the Manning criterion and 19.6% according to the Rome II criterion in south China. The prevalence of IBS was 51.2% according to the Manning criterion and 18.9% according to the Rome II criterion in North China. The prevalence of IBS was 58.0% according to the Manning criterion and 23.4% according to the Rome II criterion in west China.

Conclusion: IBS is a common disorder among the adolescents and the prevalence of IBS is increasing with increase of age in adolescents.