Disorders of gut‐brain interaction: highly prevalent and burdensome yet under‐taught within medical education

Background and Objective

To determine the population prevalence and associated health impairment of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) across Great Britain, and the emphasis placed upon them within medical education.

Methods

An Internet-based cross-sectional health survey was completed by 1906 general population adults across Great Britain without self-reported organic GI disease. The survey enquired for demographics, symptom-based criteria for Rome IV DGBI, healthcare use, non-GI somatic symptoms, and quality of life. As a separate analysis, we evaluated which DGBI are considered core knowledge at undergraduate medical school level and post-graduate specialization level for Gastroenterologists and General Practitioners.

Results

The overall prevalence of DGBI across Great Britain was 37%, being similar for England (37%), Scotland (33%), and Wales (36%); p = 0.66. There was no difference between English regions (range 33%–43%, p = 0.26). The prevalence of DGBI was highest in those aged 18–40 years (40%), then 40–64 years (37%), and least amongst those ≥65 years (29%); p < 0.001. The most common DGBI were bowel disorders (30%), followed by gastroduodenal (10.5%), anorectal (8.1%) and oesophageal disorders (6.2%). Individuals with DGBI were significantly more likely than those without DGBI to have increased GI-related healthcare visits, medication use, surgical interventions, non-GI somatic symptoms, and reduced quality of life. One-in-three people with DGBI had multiple GI organ regions involved and this correlated with increased health impairment (p < 0.001).

The only DGBI mentioned across all medical training curricula is irritable bowel syndrome, while the General Practitioner and Gastroenterology Curricula also recognise the outdated term non-ulcer dyspepsia (as opposed to functional dyspepsia). The 2010 Gastroenterology Curriculum also includes functional constipation and disordered defecation, with the incoming 2022 iteration adding in functional upper GI syndromes, functional abdominal pain, and opioid-induced GI disturbances.

Conclusion

Disorders of gut-brain interaction are common across Great Britain and incur substantial health impairment. However, they are generally under-taught within the British medical education system. Increasing awareness and education of disorders of gut-brain interaction might improve patient outcomes.