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Irritable bowel syndrome in adolescents in Lagos
Oluwafunmilayo Funke Adeniyi1, Olufunmilayo Adenike Lesi2, Foluke Adenike Olatona3
1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos,Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Insights
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 16% of Nigerian children, being more common in females. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing recurrent abdominal pain in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) often presenting as recurrent abdominal pain.
- While well-described in Western populations, data on IBS prevalence in African children is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of IBS among children in Western Nigeria.
- To raise physician awareness regarding IBS in pediatric patients with abdominal pain.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 8 schools in Lagos State, Nigeria.
- Utilized the Rome III criteria for IBS assessment in children aged 10-18 years.
- Employed multistage stratified random sampling to identify risk factors and symptoms.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of IBS was 16.0% in the study population.
- IBS was more prevalent in females (p=0.000) and decreased with increasing age (p=0.05).
- Significant risk factors included female gender, socioeconomic status, and prior gastroenteritis.
Conclusions:
- IBS is a prevalent condition in African children.
- Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for IBS in children with unexplained abdominal pain.
- Further longitudinal research in African pediatric populations is recommended.
Introduction:
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) which has been well described in western populations especially as the commonest cause of recurrent abdominal pain The aim of this study was to document the prevalence of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) amongst children in western Nigeria and increase the aware ness of IBS amongst physicians who manage children with abdominal pain.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst children aged 10-18 years in 8 schools located in two local government areas of Lagos state. A multistage stratified random-sampling survey was conducted using the validated Rome III criteria to assess for IBS and associated risk factors. The subtypes of IBS and associated extra-intestinal symptoms were also documented.
Results:
The prevalence of IBS was 16.0% in the study participants and the prevalence decreased with increasing age (p=0.05). Sixty two (62.5%) of the students with recurrent abdominal pain had IBS. IBS was more prevalent in the females compared to the males (p=0.000). The significant risk factors for IBS identified were gender (p=0.000), socioeconomic status (p=0.001) and past history of gastroenteritis (p=0.011). The commonest subtype of IBS seen was the alternating subtype.
Conclusion:
IBS is prevalent in African children. Physicians who attend to children need to have a high index of suspicion for IBS in children who present with abdominal pain when there are no alarm symptoms. The need for further longitudinal studies in African children cannot be overemphasized.
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