Parental Factors in Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders: A Cross-sectional Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Child Psychology
• Parental Health

Background:

• Parental factors may influence pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified (FAP-NOS).
• Previous research has predominantly focused on maternal influences, neglecting paternal roles.
• Understanding both parents' factors is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare physical health, psychological distress, personality, and parenting behaviors of mothers and fathers of children with IBS/FAP-NOS versus controls.
• To investigate potential differences between mothers and fathers within the IBS/FAP-NOS group.
• To identify specific parental factors that may impact treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• An explorative cross-sectional cohort study included parents of 91 children with IBS/FAP-NOS and 74 healthy controls.
• Validated questionnaires assessed demographics, physical health, psychological distress, personality dimensions, and child-rearing practices.
• Data were analyzed comparing parents of affected children to controls, and mothers to fathers within the affected group.

Main Results:

• Mothers of children with IBS/FAP-NOS reported significantly more physical health problems compared to mothers of controls.
• Fathers of children with IBS/FAP-NOS showed lower scores in the 'ignoring of unwanted behavior' parenting subscale.
• Within the IBS/FAP-NOS group, fathers exhibited higher depression and lower agreeableness than mothers. No differences were found between IBS and FAP-NOS subgroups.

Conclusions:

• Maternal physical health differs between parents of children with IBS/FAP-NOS and controls.
• Paternal parenting styles, specifically regarding ignoring behavior, differ between groups.
• Clinicians should consider these parental physical and behavioral differences when managing pediatric IBS and FAP-NOS.