Su1260 Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders – A Large Multisite Study in Colombian School Children

Abstract

The prevalence of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in Latin America remains largely unknown. There have been few published studies with small sample size and poor external validity. Aims: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of FGIDS in children in several cities in Colombia. Methods: A large multisite study in school children. The QPGS was translated from English into Spanish with reverse translation into English following validated standard methods by our group. Adequate understanding of the terms used in the QPGS by the children was established. School-children of public and private schools of 7 geographically dispersed mid and large cities in Colombia (Cali, Sotavento, Pereira, Cucuta, Soledad, Pasto, Bogota) completed the Rome III Questionnaire of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS). Sociodemographic, family structure information and medical history were obtained from parents. Anthropometrics were measured and children were plotted into growth curves. Children with a history of an organic GI disorder were excluded. Results: 3483 children were enrolled (mean age, 11.3 +2.2 years). 25.1% school children were diagnosed with FGIDs: 13.2% constipation, 4.9% irritable bowel syndrome, 2.6% functional abdominal pain/syndrome, 1.1% aerophagia, 1.1% abdominal migraine. Females (OR: 1.4 CI: 1.2-1.6), public school (OR: 1.3 CI 1.12-1.57), separated parents (OR: 1.22 CI 1.01-1.48), only child (OR: 1.2 CI: 1.1-1.6) were associated with risk for FGIDs. Malnutrition and growth failure were not significantly associated with FGIDs. Conclusion: This is the first multisite city to investigate the prevalence of FGIDs in Latin American children. FGIDs are common in Colombian school children. Female gender, attending public school, children of separated parents and being an only child were associated with a higher risk for FGIDs.