Stress Levels High Into 21st Century

Accompanying Press Release

Accompanying Press Release

One in six workers have to cope with stress have to cope with the debilitating effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

A new survey, launched to mark tomorrow's (November 3) National Stress Awareness DayTM, revealed that over 4 million workers have experienced symptoms of the illness.

Abdominal pain and discomfort, and nervous diarrhoea or constipation featured in the complaints list.

The MORI poll, commissioned by the International Stress Management Association UK (ISMA) and the Royal & Sun Alliance, and supported by Solvay Healthcare, showed that 78% of workers say that they have experienced health problems as a direct result of stress.

Although many workers suffer from problems such as tension, irritability, exhaustion and difficulty sleeping, one in six reported symptoms consistent with IBS.

A Solvay spokesperson said: "We are not surprised that so many people who suffer from stress also suffer from symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome".

"These results underline the link between stress and IBS. We are working together with the IBS Network charity to help IBS sufferers to recognise when they are suffering from IBS and understand how they can manage their lifestyles better and reduce the symptoms."

"Stress can trigger many physical and emotional problems and we hope that by raising awareness of the issues relating to stress, we will be able to reduce its negative impact," said Carole Spiers, ISMA spokesperson.

Earlier this year, Solvay announced its sponsorship of the IBS Network, which includes funding of a dedicated IBS helpline and updating introductory information packs for IBS sufferers seeking advice and support.

  1. Solvay Healthcare is the manufacturer of Colofac MR, a twice-daily prescription-only treatment for IBS. Colofac contains mebeverine, the most commonly prescribed anti-spasmodic drug for relieving the symptoms of IBS.
  2. Elaine Evans, product manager at Solvay Healthcare, is available to answer questions by calling Charlton Communications.
  3. The IBS Network is a registered charity that offers advice and support to IBS sufferers and their families. To request an introductory information pack send an SAE (enclosing a 1631 donation if possible) to: IBS Network, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield S5 7AU - 0114 261 1531. Membership of the IBS Network costs 16315 per year.

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Technical details

MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 978 adults aged 15+ working full or part-time in 160 sampling points throughout Great Britain. Fieldwork was conducted from 8-12 October 1999. All interviews were conducted in-home. Data have been weighted to the known profile of the British population.

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