• Ellen Lynch, Sophie Mulligan, and Suzanne L Doyle.
• School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences, Technological University Dublin, Grangegorman, Dublin 7, Dublin, D07 XT95, Ireland.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2024 Aug 1.

BackgroundBowel dysfunction can significantly impair quality of life. Adequate fibre intake is associated with good bowel health but intakes have been reported to be low in Ireland.AimThis study aimed to gather data on fibre intake and bowel habits in a cohort of adults at a university campus in Dublin, Ireland.MethodsAn online questionnaire was developed by adapting validated tools to assess habitual fibre intake and bowel function. The questionnaire was circulated through mailing lists and advertised via QR codes on campus in February/March 2023. Data was analysed using SPSS, p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn total, 275 valid responses were received. Low fibre intakes (< 19 g/day) were found in 50.5% of participants. A significantly higher proportion of males had low fibre intake compared to females (62.2% vs 44.8%, p = 0.039). Nearly a third (30.2%) of respondents experienced mild symptoms of bowel dysfunction, and 13.1% experienced moderate to severe symptoms. An inverse relationship was observed between fibre intake (g/day) and bowel dysfunction (p = 0.033).ConclusionsIn this cohort, low fibre intakes and some degree of bowel dysfunction were prevalent. Public health campaigns to increase fibre intake could prove to be a cost-effective way to improve bowel function and health amongst adults in Ireland.© 2024. The Author(s).

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