Sociodemographic differences in the prevalence of self-reported stomach pain in school children.

Abstract

The study considered the prevalence of experienced stomach pain in a nationwide random sample of 2161 Icelandic 11-12 and 15-16-year-old school children. It found an 18.4% prevalence of "at least weekly" stomach pain and a 53.4% overall prevalence. The prevalence of stomach pain was significantly higher among younger children (P < or = 0.001). Higher prevalence (P < or = 0.001) of stomach pain was seen in girls in the overall sample and the gender difference was significant in both age groups. No overall class or residential differences were detected. However, the findings suggest some age-related links between social status and the experience of stomach pain. The frequency of stomach pain was moderately and significantly associated with medication use. The theoretical and clinical implications of the results are briefly discussed. The high prevalence of frequent stomach pain found in this study calls for future research documenting further the epidemiology of stomach pain and various bio-psycho-social factors related to the experience and extent of this pain in school children.