Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent
gastro-intestinal disorders, causing abdominal pain and altered bowel habits
with unknown organic pathology. Studying the prevalence of such disorders
among students may help make comparisons among universities and countries
and determine their association with academic achievement. Purpose: This
study aims to determine the prevalence of IBS among undergraduate students
of faculty of physical therapy, Benha University, Egypt. Methods: This is a
cross-sectional study. A survey includes some baseline data, Rome IV criteria
for IBS, and if diagnosed by a physician with IBS. Forty students responded,
and their characteristics were presented and the prevalence of IBS among them
was calculated. Results: The prevalence of IBS among the sample was 25% (10
out of 40). Conclusion: IBS is common among undergraduate students of the
faculty of physical therapy at Benha University, affecting about 25%. Further
studies linking this disorder with the level of stress and academic achievement
are needed.