Symptomatic Diverticulosis Is Characterized By Loose Stools

Abstract Background & Aims Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease is considered to be a discreet clinical entity distinct from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but population-based data are unavailable. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and location of diverticulosis in the general population, and its association with colonic symptoms and mental health. We propose that individuals with diverticulosis would report more constipation and IBS. Methods We performed a population-based study of randomly select adults born in Sweden (18–70 years old, 57.2% women); 745 received a gastroenterology consultation, completed validated abdominal symptom and mental health questionnaires, and were examined by colonoscopy. Logistic regression was used to calculate the associations between diverticulosis and age, gender, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, depression and self-rated health. Results Among the 742 participants (54.6% women) 130 (17.5%) had diverticulosis. Age was the strongest predictor of diverticulosis ( P