Gut vs. Mind: How IBS Impacts Anxiety and Student Life

A new study published in Angiotherapy Research on January 8, 2024 has uncovered striking links between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), mental health, and academic performance among undergraduate students in Iraq. The paper, titled “Gut-Brain Connection; IBS linked to Anxiety, Quality of Life, and Academic Performance in Undergraduate Students” was authored by Mohamed Sadeq Al-Ibrahim, Ahmad Hamdy Ibrahim, Sawsan S. Al-Rawi, Bayram Dawod Ahmed, and Nalan Linda Fraim DOI: 10.25163/angiotherapy.819418.

The researchers surveyed 357 undergraduate students at Zakho Technical Institute, Northern Kurdistan, Iraq, using internationally recognized diagnostic tools such as the Rome III Criteria, Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the IBS-Quality of Life Questionnaire. Their results revealed that 16% of students suffered from IBS, with the condition disproportionately affecting female students.

Alarmingly, the psychological toll was even more severe:

34.7% of students with IBS reported severe anxiety, with nearly half of female participants (47.1%) experiencing high anxiety levels compared to 24.9% of males.

A staggering 93.6% of students reported a below-average quality of life, highlighting how IBS disrupts daily routines, mental health, and social well-being.

Academic outcomes were also affected: students with severe anxiety tended to perform worse, with many clustered in the lower GPA category.

“This study emphasizes that IBS is not simply a gastrointestinal issue — it is tightly interwoven with stress, anxiety, and quality of life,” said lead author Mohamed Sadeq Al-Ibrahim.

The findings align with global data showing that IBS affects between 9% and 23% of people worldwide. However, the Iraqi context adds layers of complexity: many students lived away from their families due to displacement, war, and social instability, all of which heightened stress and exacerbated symptoms.

Notably, the research also uncovered concerning dietary patterns: most students consumed fast food and fried meals, with very limited intake of vegetables and fruits. This type of diet is known to trigger inflammation and worsen IBS symptoms.

The authors argue that the implications extend far beyond physical discomfort. “Mental health including anxiety and stress has great effects on physiological processes such as immunity and inflammation,” they note in the paper’s discussion. This connection underscores the gut-brain axis, where stress and mental disorders can both contribute to and worsen IBS symptoms.

The study’s conclusion is clear: IBS significantly reduces quality of life, increases anxiety, and affects academic success. The authors recommend preventive strategies such as stress management programs, dietary education, and awareness campaigns to reduce the burden of IBS among university students.

For universities, the call to action is urgent. Identifying students at risk and providing mental health and nutritional support may not only improve well-being but also academic achievement.

🔗 Full Article: Gut-Brain Connection; IBS linked to Anxiety, Quality of Life, and Academic Performance in Undergraduate Students, Angiotherapy Research, Published Online: January 8, 2024.