Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Colombian School Children

Objectives: To determine prevalence for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in Colombian school children using the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms-Rome III Version (QPGS-III) and to determine possible risk factors.

Study Design: The QPGS-III was translated into Spanish then reverse translated by a team of bilingual physicians. Focus groups of Colombian children were conducted to assure understanding of the Spanish version. Children at 1 public school and 2 private schools in Pasto, Colombia were invited to participate in a prevalence study using the translated questionnaire.

Results: A total of 373 children (95 private school, 278 public school), with mean age 9.9 years completed the QPGS-III. Twenty-nine percent of children were diagnosed with FGIDs. FGIDs were more common in females (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.04-2.56). Functional constipation (14%) was the most common FGID. Irritable bowel syndrome was the most common abdominal pain-related FGID (5.4%). Abdominal migraine (1%) and cyclic vomiting syndrome (0.3%) were the least common FGIDs.

Conclusion: FGIDs are common in Colombian school children.