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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in a Primary Care Pediatric Clinic
Ronen Stein1, Thomas Chelimsky2, Hong Li3
1University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Insights
This study found a 7.5% prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in inner-city children. Lower socioeconomic status may influence FGID prevalence, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are prevalent in children, impacting their quality of life.
- FGID prevalence can differ across pediatric subpopulations.
- Understanding FGID prevalence in diverse settings is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of FGIDs in an inner-city pediatric primary care setting.
- To explore potential associations between FGIDs and somatic complaints.
- To examine the influence of socioeconomic factors on FGID prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A validated questionnaire was administered to healthy pediatric patients (ages 9-17).
- The questionnaire assessed for FGIDs using Rome III Diagnostic Criteria and other somatic complaints.
- Prevalence rates and statistical associations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Eleven out of 145 patients (7.5%) met the criteria for FGIDs.
- Raynaud-like symptoms showed a non-significant trend towards higher occurrence in FGID patients (P = .07).
- The observed FGID prevalence was lower than in some previous studies.
Conclusions:
- The lower FGID prevalence in this inner-city population may be linked to socioeconomic status.
- Further large-scale, diverse population studies are needed to confirm the FGID-socioeconomic status connection.
- Investigating FGIDs in varied socioeconomic groups is essential for accurate prevalence assessment.
Abstract:
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a common problem in pediatric patients and can affect quality of life. However, the extent of these disorders may vary in different subpopulations of children. This study investigated the prevalence of FGIDs in an inner-city primary care practice. Healthy patients between the ages of 9 and 17 were administered a validated questionnaire that assessed for FGIDs and other somatic complaints. Eleven of 145 patients (7.5%) met criteria for FGIDs based on Rome III Diagnostic Criteria. Raynaud-like symptoms tended to occur more often in patients meeting criteria for FGIDs, although this association was not statistically significant (P = .07). The lower prevalence of FGIDs in this population compared with earlier studies may suggest a link between socioeconomic status and the prevalence of FGIDs. Larger population-based studies consisting of a heterogeneous cohort from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds are necessary to further elucidate the true connection between FGIDs and socioeconomic status.
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