Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in Southeast Hungary: Impact of Rome III and Rome IV criteria

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, posing a substantial burden on healthcare systems and significantly impairing the quality of life. Despite its clinical relevance, no population-based data on IBS prevalence have been available from Hungary. AIM To investigate the prevalence of IBS in Southeast Hungary using Rome III and IV criteria in voluntary blood donors and patients with psychiatric disorders. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among voluntary blood donors and outpatients with psychiatric disorders. Participants completed validated questionnaires based on Rome III and IV criteria. A single instrument was employed. Demographic data, psychiatric comorbidities, and the presence of chronic somatic diseases were also documented. Statistical analyses compared prevalence estimates across diagnostic frameworks and populations. RESULTS Applying the Rome III criteria led to a substantially higher IBS prevalence than when applying Rome IV. Among blood donors, prevalence decreased from 7.6% (Rome III) to 0.7% (Rome IV), whereas among patients with psychiatric disorders, it decreased from 15.4% to 5.0%. Patients with psychiatric disorders consistently demonstrated higher prevalence rates than blood donors, with a marked female predominance. The presence of chronic diseases did not significantly affect IBS prevalence; however, a trend toward higher rates was observed, suggesting that comorbidities can be more strongly associated with upper gastrointestinal hypomotility than with IBS itself. CONCLUSION The choice of diagnostic criteria influences IBS prevalence and affects high- and low-risk populations differently. These insights underscore the significance of integrated multidisciplinary approaches to functional gastrointestinal disorders.