Healthcare seeking behavior among subjects with irritable bowel syndrome

Yaser R. Al Huthail

Abstract

The behaviors exhibited by individuals who seek healthcare for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are numerous, varied, and sometimes controversial, and/or inconsistent. This study aims to review the factors associated with these healthcare seeking behaviors. Through a selective review of the literature, articles were identified by using the following search terms: IBS, healthcare seeking, conventional and non-conventional treatment, cultural factors, and gender differences. The roles of different factors associated with healthcare seeking are discussed.

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