Table 3. Descriptive analysis of participants’ practices about IBS symptoms.

Behaviors of IBS patients	Total N=451, n (%)
In case of severe irritable bowel syndrome symptoms?
Going to the emergency room	128 (28.4)
Taking and complying by prescribed medications	116 (25.7)
Going to the toilet	70 (15.5)
Waiting for the symptoms to disappear	121 (26.8)
Other	16 (3.5)
How often do you go to the bathroom to defecate?
Once a day	166 (36.8)
2–3 times/day	154 (34.1)
4–5 times/day	44 (9.8)
≥6 times/day	7 (1.6)
1–2 times per week	34 (7.5)
2–3 times/week	46 (10.2)
Have you identified certain foods that seem to cause pain or diarrhea?
No	83 (18.4)
Yes	368 (81.6)
How often do you visit the doctor for your condition?
Every 3–6 months	90 (20.0)
Yearly	57 (12.6)
Each time I had symptoms	69 (15.3)
When symptoms are unbearable	204 (45.2)
Other	31 (6.9)
Have you identified certain foods that seem to cause pain or diarrhea?
No	83 (18.4)
Yes	368 (81.6)
How often do you visit the doctor for your condition?
Every 3–6 months	90 (20.0)
Yearly	57 (12.6)
Each time I had symptoms	69 (15.3)
When symptoms are unbearable	204 (45.2)
Other	31 (6.9)
Are you familiar with the “low FODMAP” diet?
Never heard of it	361 (80.0)
I heard of it but never applied it to my diet	77 (17.1)
I use it in my diet plans	13 (2.9)
Have you ever visited a nutritionist?
No	296 (65.6)
Yes	155 (34.4)
Have you requested any psychological intervention for your IBS?
No	349 (77.4)
Yes	102 (22.6)

IBS, irritable bowel syndrome; FODMAP, fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols.