PREVALENCE OF ABDOMINAL PAIN PREDOMINANT FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS IN JORDANIAN SCHOOL CHILDREN

Eyad Altamimi, Mohammad Al Safadi

JPGN. 10/2013; 57:E 33.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Recurrent abdominal pain is a common complaint in children. Significant portion of them are of functional origin. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Abdominal pain predominant FGD and its types in Jordanian school children. Patients and Methods: This is a school - based survey at south Jordan. Information regarding abdominal pain characteristics, bowel habits and associated symptoms were collected using the self-reporting form of The Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms— Rome III Version (QPGS-RIII) - The official Arabic translation -. Classes from academic years (grades) 6-8 were selected. All students in selected classes, present during the day of the survey, were included. The questionnaire was distributed in the class rooms in an examination setting .Children were given unlimited time to fill the questionnaire , verifications were provided by the researchers. Results: 500 Questionnaires distributed, 454 returned answered (91 %). 451 Included in the analysis, 229 (50.8%) were males. The average age of participants was 12.7 yrs (11-15 yrs). 116 (25.7%) had abdominal pain - predominant FGD.79 (68%) of them were females. 47(10.6%) had Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 36 (8%), 17(3.8%), 11(2.4%) and 5(1.1%) had abdominal migraine, functional abdominal pain, functional abdominal pain syndrome and functional dyspepsia, respectively. Conclusion: Abdominal pain predominant FGD becomes a major health issue in our society. One out of four children between 11 and 15 years has at least one abdominal pain predominant FGD. IBS is the most common type. Females are affected more than males.