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.