The Prevalence and clinical profile of abdominal pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGIDs) in 5-12 year olds in Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Abdominal pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGIDs) are common among Sri Lankan adolescents and teenagers and it is an important healthcare problem. However, studies are rarely conducted to determine the prevalence and clinical profile of AP-FGIDs in 5-12-year age group. METHODS A cross sectional survey was conducted in four randomly selected schools in Gamapaha district of Sri Lanka. All children aged 5-12 years were recruited after obtaining parental consent. Data was collected using a translated and validated parental questionnaire. AP-FGIDs were diagnosed using Rome III criteria. RESULTS A total of 1000 questionnaires were distributed and 709 (70.9%) returned. Properly filled 653 questionnaires were included in analysis [309 (47.3%) boys. mean age 8.8 years (SD 1.9 years)]. Eighty-two (12.6%) fulfilled criteria for the AP-FGIDs. Prevalence of AP-FGIDs was higher in females than male (7.9% vs. 4.5%, p=0.037, Chi-square test). Thirty-two (4.9%) had FAP, 26 (4.0%) had IBS, 21 (3.2%) had FD and 3 (0.4%) had AM. Prevalence in AP-FGIDs in girls has shown a positive correlation with age (r=0.718, p=0. 045, Pearson correlation). The majority of the children had moderate to very severe pain (83.1%), lasting less than one hour (73.1%). In 24.4%, the duration of abdominal pain was more than one year, which was significantly higher in girls (9.27 vs. 6.03, p=0.021 independent T test). Other symptoms were not significantly different between girls and boys (p<0.05). Epigastric (24.4%) and periumbilical (18.3%) were the commonest sites for abdominal pain. Extra-abdominal pain (56.2%), abdominal fullness (51.2%) and headache (46.3%) were the common associated symptoms. CONCLUSION The AP-GIDs is a common disorder with a prevalence of 12.6% in 5-12 year olds in Sri Lanka. It is more common in girls.