Abstract
BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic gastrointestinal disorders with overlapping features but different management needs. Little is known about how pediatric residents perceive these conditions. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and April 2025 among pediatric residents in Western Saudi Arabia. A structured online questionnaire assessed knowledge, diagnostic approaches, and perceptions using case scenarios. The data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. RESULTS: A total of 197 residents completed the survey, with the majority aged 20-29 years. Nearly all identified IBS as an abdominal pain disorder (95.9%) and a diagnosis of exclusion (94.4%), but many showed gaps in applying the full diagnostic process. IBD was more often viewed as a critical condition requiring emergency referral (p<0.001), while IBS was perceived as less serious and frequently associated with symptom exaggeration. Psychological referral was endorsed for both conditions. Burnout was reported by 86.3% of residents, and junior trainees demonstrated greater adherence to updated diagnostic criteria. CONCLUSION: Residents showed basic awareness of IBS and IBD but underestimated the impact of IBS. Improved training and strategies are necessary to address burnout and strengthen future clinical care.