Risk factors for the development of digestive system diseases and prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in adolescents

Abstract

Digestive diseases are a very common pathology in children and adolescents. Analysis of risk factors for the development of diseases of the digestive system and prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in students of professional educational organizations are presented in the article. 265 students of vocational education organizations aged 15 to 18 years were examined. The study design was a one-time cross-sectional study (active screening). Standardized formalized maps were used (complaints, medical history, physical examination results, regime and nature of diets, lifestyle and social and economic aspects were studied) to assess frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) – an internationally validated questionnaire for the study of quality of life developed by the Hassle Company (division of Astra) – was used to study gastrointestinal symptoms. Statistical data processing was carried out using «MS Excel 2002» program. The study was conducted in accordance with the requirements of bioethics, after receiving informed consent of adolescents and their parents. A number of adolescents who previously have been diagnosed with diseases of the digestive system are found; gastrointestinal symptoms are systematized and analyzed (symptom group according to the scales abdominal pain, reflux, dyspepsia diarrhoea, constipation) using the GSRS questionnaire; main risk factors for the development of digestive system diseases characteristic of adolescents are studied: (the nature and regime of diet, smoking, consumption of alcohol), awareness of students about the main factors of a healthy lifestyle were examined as results of the study. The results of the study must be taken into account when developing and implementing preventive and hygiene and educational measures that are aimed at maintaining health and improving the quality of life of the population and require an interdisciplinary approach.