Based on a New Survey, More Than Half of Surveyed IBS/CIC Patients Feel Alone in Their Experience but Also Find That Social Media Helps Create a Community and Inspires Healthcare Provider Conversations

Salix Pharmaceuticals Releases Fourth Annual Patient Perspectives IBS Impact Report

LAVAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / April 2, 2024 / Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC) and its gastroenterology (GI) business, Salix Pharmaceuticals ("Salix"), today for IBS Awareness Month announced the results from the fourth edition of its annual survey of U.S adults living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). ​Developed as a nationwide survey conducted in partnership with Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll (FDU Poll), more than 850 IBS/CIC patients were surveyed to better understand their experiences. The findings illustrate the current behaviors and experiences of the IBS and CIC patient population.

Notably, more than half of IBS/CIC patients surveyed said they feel alone in their experience and try to hide symptoms from family and friends. Additionally, 7 out of 10 respondents stated that their IBS symptoms cause them to skip events. Patients went on to reveal not only do they struggle to talk to their doctor about all of their symptoms, but also that their treatments often do not address the totality of those symptoms. The report unveiled trends related to social media too, suggesting it may bolster a sense of community and inspire more authentic conversations with their healthcare provider.

Foto: Accesswire

Foto: Accesswire

"For 35 years, we've been working to make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans living with GI disease," shares Nicola Kayel, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Salix. "Our fourth annual IBS Impact Report underscores our steadfast commitment to improving patient lives. The findings of this year's survey highlight the need for more authentic conversation around IBS experiences and impact on daily living. We are confident the findings will encourage more productive dialogue between healthcare providers and their patients, and also across social media platforms where patients can truly foster community."

Patient advocacy group, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), has been at the forefront of these patient conversations since its founding in 1991. President of IFFGD, Ceciel T. Rooker, stated "At IFFGD, we are committed to broadening patient understanding about GI disorders, like IBS, and insights such as those from the 2024 IBS Impact Report by Salix help us raise visibility of the patient experience and validate what we hear from patients firsthand. IBS symptoms change over time and are hard to talk about. The fact that most patients aren't addressing all of their symptoms with their healthcare provider emphasizes that there is work to be done to reduce stigma around this condition. We recommend patients find a healthcare provider that they feel comfortable being open with and that will work with them long-term to manage and treat their IBS."