Aim: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is decreased in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is highly prevalent in general population. This study evaluated the prevalence of IBS and its association with HRQOL and depression in HD.
Methods: Sociodemographic and laboratory variables were recorded. Severity of depressive symptoms and HRQOL were assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Short Form 36 (SF-36), respectively. Diagnosis of IBS was based on Rome II criteria.
Results: Among 236 patients 69 (29.2%) had IBS. Patients with IBS had lower SF-36 scores and had higher depressive symptoms than patients without IBS. Presence of IBS was associated with sleep disturbance (odds ratio (OR) = 2.012; P = 0.045), physical component summary score (OR = 0.963, P = 0.029), mental component summary score (OR = 0.962, P = 0.023), BDI score (OR = 1.040, P = 0.021) and albumin (OR = 0.437, P = 0.01).
Conclusion: IBS is highly prevalent in HD patients. Presence of IBS is closely related with HRQOL and depression.