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The prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children in Panama: a school-based study
Peter L Lu1, Miguel Saps1, Ricardo A Chanis2
1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
Insights
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in Panamanian school children, affecting 28.7%. This study highlights the prevalence of FGIDs, including functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are prevalent in children globally.
- The epidemiology of FGIDs in Latin America, specifically Panama, requires further investigation.
- Rome III criteria provide standardized diagnostic guidelines for FGIDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of FGIDs in school-aged children in Panama using Rome III criteria.
- To identify the most common FGIDs in this pediatric population.
- To compare the prevalence of FGIDs in Panama with international data.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted in three schools in Panama City.
- Exclusion of children with diagnosed organic medical conditions.
- Administration of the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms - Rome III Spanish version to assess FGIDs.
Main Results:
- A total of 321 children (61.1% female, median age 10 years) participated.
- The overall prevalence of FGIDs was 28.7%.
- Functional constipation (15.9%), irritable bowel syndrome (5.6%), and functional abdominal pain-related FGIDs (12.1%) were most common.
Conclusions:
- FGIDs are a significant health concern in Panamanian school-aged children.
- The prevalence of abdominal pain-related FGIDs in Panama aligns with global estimates.
- Further population-based research is essential to understand FGID pathogenesis in children.
Aim:
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in children, but the epidemiology of FGIDs is incompletely understood. Our aim was to perform a population-based study using Rome III criteria to describe the prevalence of FGIDs in children in Panama.
Methods:
We performed a cross-sectional study of children attending three schools in Panama City, Panama. Children with organic medical diseases were excluded. Subjects provided demographic information and completed the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms - Rome III Spanish version.
Results:
A total of 321 subjects (61.1% female, median age 10 years, range 8-14 years) completed our study. A total of 92 subjects (28.7%) met criteria for an FGID. Gender, age and school type did not differ significantly between subjects with and without FGIDs. The most common FGIDs included functional constipation (15.9%), irritable bowel syndrome (5.6%), and functional abdominal pain or functional abdominal pain syndrome (4.0%). Abdominal pain-related FGIDs were present in 12.1%.
Conclusion:
FGIDs are common in school-aged children in Panama. The prevalence of abdominal pain-related FGIDs in children in Panama is similar to that described in other parts of the world. Further population-based studies utilising Rome III criteria to measure FGID prevalence in children are needed to advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of FGIDs.
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