BackgroundWe estimated the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its impact on patient-reported health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in a university-based population aged between 18 and 30 years in Bogotá, Colombia.Methods Th e study had a cross-sectional design.Students, faculty, and staff aged 18-30 years of the Pontifi cia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia were randomly selected and invited to complete an electronic survey containing the Rome III IBS diagnostic questionnaire and an IBSspecifi c HR-QOL instrument (IBS-QOL).Results A total of 1082 individuals participated in this study.Th e prevalence of IBS was 24.0% (95% CI 21.3-26.6%).IBS-constipation was the most common subtype (41.9%; 95% CI 35.5-48.4%).Th e overall IBS-QOL score indicated HR-QOL impairment (72.1/100).IBS-unsubtyped patients had the highest overall HR-QOL (constipation: 70.6; diarrhea: 67.2; mixed: 67.0; unsubtyped: 77.8; P=0.003).IBS non-consulters had higher IBS-QOL "Food Avoidance" scores than IBS consulters (60.3 vs. 45.5;P=0.002). ConclusionIBS is a prevalent disorder in a university-based population aged 18-30 years and has a signifi cant impact on HR-QOL.IBS-unsubtyped subjects had the highest HR-QOL compared to other subtypes.Food avoidance appears to be a key factor in seeking consultation.