Prevalence and Impact of Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction in France: Results From the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to estimate the national and regional prevalence of DGBI (disorders of gut-brain interaction) in France, evaluate their impact on quality of life (QOL) and healthcare utilization, and assess prior medical diagnoses. METHODS: We analyzed data from the French cohort of the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (2016-2018), a nationally representative internet-based survey. Adult participants completed the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire to estimate overall and anatomical subgroup prevalence of DGBI, with a supplemental questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, psychological distress and somatic symptom burden, health-related QOL, healthcare utilization, and prior medical diagnoses. KEY RESULTS: Among 2019 respondents, 47.2% met Rome IV criteria for at least one DGBI and the geographical distribution was broadly homogeneous. DGBI prevalence was higher among women and younger individuals, and bowel disorders were the most frequent (40.5%). Participants with DGBI reported greater somatic symptom burden, higher anxiety and depressive symptoms, poorer physical and mental health-related QOL, and increased healthcare utilization and medication use (p < 0.001 for all). Only a minority of individuals fulfilling Rome IV criteria reported having previously received a corresponding medical diagnosis (1.2%-25%). In multivariable analyses, poorer global physical health and higher non-gastrointestinal somatic symptom burden were independently associated with increased odds of DGBI, whereas age and sex were not. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: These findings highlight DGBI as a major public health issue in France and underscore the need to improve recognition and implementation of symptom-based diagnostic approaches in primary care.