Well, how does it settle in your stomach?
This came across my wire, thought I'd share<GGGG>
(COMTEX) B: New Survey Shows That Less Than Two Percent Of People Are Aware That
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Is More Widespread Than Asthma, Depression And
Diabetes
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 20, 2002 (INTERNET WIRE via COMTEX) -- A new survey of
1,000 adults released during the 33rd annual Digestive Disease Week shows that
Americans are not aware of the widespread presence of irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS) in America. IBS affects up to one-in-five Americans, however, only 1.2
percent of Americans knew that IBS (40 million)(1) is more prevalent in the
U.S., followed by depression (19 million)(2) , asthma (17 million)(3) , diabetes
(17 million)(4) and coronary heart disease (12.6 million)(5) . An overwhelming
46 percent also admitted that IBS was the condition they knew least about.
"The results of this survey show an extreme disconnect between perception of IBS
and the reality of the condition, reinforcing the need for more education and
awareness about IBS," said Susan L. Lucak, M.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical
Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Disease, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical
Center. "Many of the patients I see suffered for many years before learning
enough about the condition to see a doctor."
IBS is a leading cause of school and work absenteeism, second only to the common
cold. When asked which condition was most responsible for work and school
absenteeism, more than 90 percent incorrectly answered conditions other than IBS
(depression, 39.1%, asthma, 25.1%, coronary heart disease, 9.1%, diabetes, 6.9%,
and did not know, 9.9%). Additionally, IBS costs the U.S. healthcare system an
estimated $30 billion annually and is characterized by abdominal pain or
discomfort, bloating and altered bowel function (constipation, diarrhea, or
alternating).
Study Methodologies
An Omnibus survey was conducted among 1,000 adults. A single-stage
random-digit-dial sample representative of residential telephone numbers in the
48 contiguous states of the U.S. was used. One thousand interviews, including
480 males and 520 females 18 years of age or older, were conducted.
About Novartis
Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) is a world leader in healthcare with core businesses in
pharmaceuticals, consumer health, generics, eye-care and animal health. In 2001,
the Group's businesses achieved sales of CHF 32.0 billion (USD 19.1 billion) and
a net income of CHF 7.0 billion (USD 4.2 billion). The Group invested
approximately CHF 4.2 billion (USD 2.5 billion) in R&D. Headquartered in Basel,
Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ about 72,600 people and operate in
over 140 countries around the world. For further information, please consult
www.novartis.com.
(1) Drossman, DA, Whitehead WE, Camilleri M. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A
Technical Review for Practice Guidelines Development. Gastroenterology 1997;
112:2120-37.
(2) Narrow WE. One-year prevalence of depressive disorders among adults 18 and
over in the U.S.: NIMH ECA prospective data. Population estimates based on U.S.
Census estimated residential population age 18 and over on July 1, 1998.
Unpublished.
(3) United States. Centers for Disease Control. "Forecasted State-Specific
estimates of Self-Reported Asthma Prevalence--1998." Morbidity and Mortality.
(Dec. 4, 1998) 47:1022-1025.
(4) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National
Diabetes Statistics fact sheet: general information and national estimates on
diabetes in the United States, 2000. Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, National Institutes of Health, 2002.
(5) American Heart Association, 2002 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update.
Dallas, Texas: American Heart Association, 2001.
CONTACT: Laura Hortas
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
973-781-7845
Tom Jones
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
973-781-3772
Chantal Beaudry
Ruder Finn
212-593-6400
John McInerney
Ruder Finn
212-593-6400
Copyright 2002 Internet Wire, All rights reserved.
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SUBJECT CODE: Medical/Health:Healthcare
Lifestyle: General
Medical/Health: General
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