IBS Research Study
Researchers at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing want to learn more about biopsychosocial influences on the brain-gut connection. Join our compensated study for volunteers with and without IBS.
IBS Research Study
Researchers at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing want to learn more about biopsychosocial influences on the brain-gut connection. Join our compensated study for volunteers with and without IBS.
Compensation up to $225-250 provided
Conducted remotely
Diagnosed with IBS OR can serve as a healthy control
18 - 45
Years Old
Years Old
Fast Facts
Study Background
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction, affecting both physical and mental function. In Western countries, it affects twice as many women as men.
Women with IBS seek health care services more often and report greater symptoms and poorer quality of life. This could be related to biological reasons, like hormones, or psychosocial reasons, like gender expectations. The purpose of our study is to better understand how these different forces affect women's experiences with IBS.
If you have IBS, or if you do not have IBS and can be a healthy control, you may qualify to participate. Help further research today!
Women with IBS seek health care services more often and report greater symptoms and poorer quality of life. This could be related to biological reasons, like hormones, or psychosocial reasons, like gender expectations. The purpose of our study is to better understand how these different forces affect women's experiences with IBS.
If you have IBS, or if you do not have IBS and can be a healthy control, you may qualify to participate. Help further research today!
Study Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction, affecting both physical and mental function. In Western countries, it affects twice as many women as men. Women with IBS seek health care services more often and report greater symptoms and poorer quality of life. This could be related to biological reasons, like hormones, or psychosocial reasons, like gender expectations. The purpose of our study is to better understand how these different forces affect women's experiences with IBS. If you have IBS, or if you do not have IBS and can be a healthy control, you may qualify to participate. Help further research today! |
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to better understand how sex- and gender-based factors contribute to the disproportionate burden of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligibility Criteria:
- 18 to 45 years of age
- Diagnosis of IBS or generally healthy
- Access to a smartphone or computer with internet and camera
You may NOT Qualify if you have:
- Any organic gastrointestinal (GI) condition: inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, active H. pylori infection, etc.
- Any malignancies or endocrine disorders such as hypogonadism/ovarian hypofunction, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), menstrual cycle irregularities, adrenal disorders
- Severe comorbid pain or psychiatric condition requiring recent hospitalization
- Pregnancy, recent pregnancy (past 3 months), or plans to become pregnant during the study period
- Planned changes to GI medication during the study period
This study will involve two online/virtual study visits over Zoom or Microsoft Teams. You will also complete online questionnaires, daily symptom assessment, and collect four saliva samples at home which are mailed back to the University of South Carolina. The entire study lasts about one month/menstrual cycle.
Compensation will be $200 for men who serve as healthy controls, $225 for men with IBS, $225 for women who serve as healthy controls, and $250 for women with IBS.
There is no cost for you to participate in this study.