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Multinational prevalence and burden of paediatric disorders of gut-brain interaction: results of the Rome Foundation

Samuel Nurko1, Tiffany Taft2, Olafur S Palsson3

  • 1Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA samuel.nurko@childrens.harvard.edu.

Gut
|August 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) affect over a quarter of children globally, with significant geographic and age-related variations. These conditions are linked to increased anxiety, depression, and healthcare needs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Neurogastroenterology
  • Global Health Epidemiology

Background:

  • Estimates of global paediatric disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) prevalence are lacking due to inconsistent research methods.
  • Rome V criteria provide a standardized definition for DGBI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the multinational prevalence and burden of paediatric DGBI using Rome V criteria.
  • To analyze variations in DGBI prevalence by geography, age, and sex.

Main Methods:

  • A global online survey using Rome V criteria was administered to caregivers of 8000 children (aged 0-17) in China, Italy, Mexico, and the USA.
  • Prevalence was calculated across DGBI categories, countries, sex, and age groups, assessing associated health conditions and burden.

Main Results:

  • Paediatric DGBI affect 28.0% of children, with lower DGBI (23.7%) more common than upper DGBI (8.7%).
  • Prevalence varied geographically (highest in Mexico, lowest in China) and by age (declining from 41% in toddlers to 22% in adolescents).
  • DGBI were associated with significant anxiety, depression, functional disability, increased healthcare utilization, and parental burden, especially with overlapping upper and lower DGBI.

Conclusions:

  • This study confirms the high prevalence and significant burden of paediatric DGBI globally, as defined by Rome V.
  • Findings highlight the heterogeneity of DGBI and underscore the need for improved recognition, classification, research, and clinical care for affected children.
Abstract

Keywords:
ABDOMINAL PAINBRAIN/GUT INTERACTIONFUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIAIRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROMENEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY

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