What factors contribute to health care utilization?
Although IBS is very common in the general population, only a minority of people ever seek medical care for their symptoms. Cultural factors may affect health care utilization. For example, as opposed to the U.S. and Europe, in India male patients are more likely to seek medical care than women. The presence and severity of abdominal pain, and the number of “Manning Criteria” correlate with health care consultation. Finally, psychological disturbance (e.g. anxiety or depression) also appears to influence health care utilization.
Although IBS is very common in the general population, only a minority of people ever seek medical care for their symptoms. Cultural factors may affect health care utilization. For example, as opposed to theU.S. and Europe, inIndia male patients are more likely to seek medical care than women. The presence and severity of abdominal pain, and the number of “Manning Criteria” correlate with health care consultation. Finally, psychological disturbance (e.g. anxiety or depression) also appears to influence health care utilization.
