Abstract
Background and aim.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder in Romania,
managed frequently by General Practitioners (GPs). It is necessary
to assess the knowledge of GPs on IBS. A preliminary investigation
was carried out in two Romanian counties.
Methods. One hundred GPs were invited to a
two hour, free, updating course on IBS. The participants were
asked to fill a questionnaire before and after the course
which comprised questions about medical experience, demography,
and several multiple-choice questions about GPs´ opinions
and awareness. The final question assessed the estimated prevalence
of IBS in the practice.
Results. Full responses to both questionnaires
were obtained from all attending GPs (n=88). They were 25
males: 63 females, with working experience between 3 and 41
years (mean+SD: 24+11). Apart from 2 (2.4%)
who indicated that IBS is a motility disorder (opinion revised
after the course), all other GPs considered IBS as a functional
disorder. All (100%) opted for the necessity of colonoscopy
to diagnose IBS. 98.8% indicated the use of Rome II criteria
for the diagnosis of IBS (this survey was done before the
availability of Rome III but their advent was mentioned).
All (100%) had participated in previous lectures or courses
on IBS. 58 (66%) reported the prevalence of IBS in their practice
between 1-10%; 16 (18%) between 10-25%; 11 (12.5%) between
25-33%; 3 (3.5%) reported <1%.
Conclusions. The investigated GPs seem to be well
trained in recognizing IBS. The majority (66%) estimated the
prevalence of this condition as 1-10% in their practice.
