SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Gender Parity in Enrollment in Clinical Trials for Ibs

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This retrospective descriptive study examined gender representation in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The authors searched MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov for IBS trials published from January 2000 through April 2022 and recorded participant gender, race/ethnicity, trial location, and publication year.<br /><br />A total of 65 studies involving 28,477 individuals were identified. All RCTs were published between 2008 and 2022. Across these trials, 22.3% of participants were male and 77.6% were female, showing a marked gender imbalance. Most studies were conducted in the United States (86%), followed by Western Europe (8%), Canada (3%), with a small number from China and South Africa. Ethnic information was reported in only 46% of the studies; among those, Caucasians were the majority (81.4%), and African descendants were the second-largest group (13.3%).<br /><br />The authors note that IBS is more common in women, with a female-to-male ratio of about 2:1, and that hormonal, psychosocial, and care-seeking differences may contribute to this disparity. However, the study highlights that male patients are underrepresented in IBS research despite evidence that symptoms and treatment response may differ by sex.<br /><br />The conclusion is that clinical trials in IBS have not achieved gender parity, and more balanced enrollment is needed. The authors argue that a sex- and gender-oriented approach could improve understanding of IBS and lead to better treatment design and outcomes for both men and women. They also emphasize the need to improve representation of minorities and other underrepresented groups in medical research by identifying and reducing barriers to participation.

Asset Subtitle

Oscar F. Borja Montes

Meta Tag

Author List Abu Baker Sheikh, Anthony Nguyen, Ishan Garg, Moon Ryu, Niloy Ghosh, Oscar F. Borja Montes

Category Research

Concept Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Concept Sex Representation

Concept Male Participants

Concept Gender Imbalance

Concept Clinical Trial

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of New Mexico

Presenting Author Oscar F. Borja Montes

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

irritable bowel syndrome

randomized clinical trials

gender representation

sex imbalance

female participants

male underrepresentation

clinical research diversity

ethnicity reporting

trial demographics

patient enrollment

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Sex Representation

Male Participants

Gender Imbalance

Clinical Trial