For the fifth year in a row, Health Union has gathered patient-reported data from thousands of real people impacted by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The fifth annual Irritable Bowel Syndrome In America survey, a syndicated research study from Health Union, quantifies the true impact of this condition among patients – going beyond basic demographics and symptoms to establish a deep understanding of the holistic patient journey for those affected and to track trends over time.

The new data from the fifth annual Irritable Bowel Syndrome In America survey reveals deep insights of a population of 1,930 diagnosed, in which 1 in 5 began experiencing symptoms before adulthood, and half of respondents feel their IBS is difficult to control. Merely 9% said they were currently taking a prescription IBS medication and just 19% say they have used a prescription IBS medication in the past–with the group citing efficacy and potential side effects as top treatment decision factors.

It’s crucial for the healthcare industry to understand why people with IBS have never used a prescription medication, and open-ended survey responses reveal insight like:

“I don’t do well with prescription medications.”
“I have mixed IBS, what works for one flares for another.”
“I don’t want to add to the medications I already take if avoidable.”
“Drs. have never addressed it. They seem to be more focused on other health issues.”

This access to a broad base of knowledge, facts and data gleaned from Health Union’s open online health communities like IrritableBowelSyndrome.net, and syndicated research allows the healthcare industry to harness the power of Health Union’s continuous immersion in the patient experience to deliver smarter insights and implications–so you can spend your time developing the strategies that will make a difference.