ArticleCureus2026
Association Between Stress Management Interventions and Symptom Severity in Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Saudi Arabia.
Article in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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10 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundPsychological stress is a major contributing factor to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a widespread functional gastrointestinal disorder. Consequently, understanding the relationship between stress management strategies and the severity of IBS symptoms is crucial.
aimThis study sought to assess the association between stress management interventions and symptom severity among adults with IBS in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it investigated the associations between IBS, demographic data, lifestyle habits, and perceived stress levels. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving adults aged 18 and older in Saudi Arabia who had a clinical diagnosis of IBS. Participants completed a validated, bilingual web-based survey that incorporated the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, the IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical significance for both descriptive and inferential analyses was established at p < 0.05.
resultsThe study included 517 participants, of whom 24% utilized stress management techniques. The most prevalent methods were deep breathing (66.9%), meditation (50.8%), and yoga (30.6%). Comparative analysis showed significantly lower symptom severity scores among those practicing stress management, specifically regarding the frequency of abdominal pain (p = 0.010), abdominal distension (p < 0.002), satisfaction with bowel habits (p < 0.001), and interference with daily activities (p = 0.007). Analysis indicated that individuals engaging in stress management reported fewer severe symptoms and lower perceived stress, whereas high stress levels were significantly more common among non-practitioners (p = 0.007). Gender and lifestyle choices were also significantly linked to IBS burden.
conclusionThe use of stress management protocols is associated with reduced symptom severity and lower perceived stress in IBS patients. These results advocate for the integration of stress reduction techniques into comprehensive IBS care plans.
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