Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool Children in the City of Jeddah and Surrounding Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) affect children’s daily activities and overall performance due to gastrointestinal symptoms. This study assesses the prevalence and types of FGIDs in children living in Jeddah City and its countryside. It also ex...

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Main Authors: Mai A. Khatib, Elham A. Aljaaly, Eram Albajri, Nahlaa A. Khalifa, Saleh Khateeb, Sarah M. Ajabnoor, Daniah Radhwan, Khawlah Aljohani, Aisha Y. Hussein
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Diagnostics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/3/242
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author Mai A. Khatib
Elham A. Aljaaly
Eram Albajri
Nahlaa A. Khalifa
Saleh Khateeb
Sarah M. Ajabnoor
Daniah Radhwan
Khawlah Aljohani
Aisha Y. Hussein
author_facet Mai A. Khatib
Elham A. Aljaaly
Eram Albajri
Nahlaa A. Khalifa
Saleh Khateeb
Sarah M. Ajabnoor
Daniah Radhwan
Khawlah Aljohani
Aisha Y. Hussein
author_sort Mai A. Khatib
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background/Objectives:</b> Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) affect children’s daily activities and overall performance due to gastrointestinal symptoms. This study assesses the prevalence and types of FGIDs in children living in Jeddah City and its countryside. It also examines factors that contribute to the incidence of these disorders and their impact on children’s lifestyles. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study was conducted among 285 mothers of preschool children enrolled in kindergartens during the academic year 2020–2021. The Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire was sent out online through kindergartens to be filled out by the children’s mothers. The questionnaire assessed the prevalence of FGIDs subjectively through symptoms and their frequency. <b>Results:</b> Among the 285 participants, 9% (n = 27) fit the diagnostic criteria for FGIDs. Common FGIDs included functional constipation, 3.5% (n = 10); postprandial distress syndrome, 2.4% (n = 7); functional abdominal pain—not otherwise specified, 1% (n = 3); and functional epigastric pain, 0.7% (n = 2). Significant risk factors for developing FGIDs among the children in the sample included being a preterm baby (<i>p</i> < 0.01), being previously diagnosed with a gastrointestinal condition (<i>p</i> < 0.010), having a family history of diarrhea or nausea and vomiting (<i>p</i> < 0.001 and <i>p</i> < 0.01, respectively), skipping lunch at kindergarten (<i>p</i> < 0.01), and having pre-existing food allergies (<i>p</i> < 0.01). <b>Conclusions:</b> FGIDs were prevalent among 9% of children in Jeddah City and its countryside. Functional constipation was the most common disorder. Factors associated with FGIDs in children included preterm birth, being previously diagnosed with a GI condition, a family history of gastrointestinal conditions, irregular eating habits, and food allergies.
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spelling doaj-art-5713de2b24924257b5d3756906b849612025-08-20T02:48:06ZengMDPI AGDiagnostics2075-44182025-01-0115324210.3390/diagnostics15030242Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool Children in the City of Jeddah and Surrounding Areas: A Cross-Sectional StudyMai A. Khatib0Elham A. Aljaaly1Eram Albajri2Nahlaa A. Khalifa3Saleh Khateeb4Sarah M. Ajabnoor5Daniah Radhwan6Khawlah Aljohani7Aisha Y. Hussein8Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Respiratory Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi ArabiaFaculty of Clinical Sciences, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah 23323, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) affect children’s daily activities and overall performance due to gastrointestinal symptoms. This study assesses the prevalence and types of FGIDs in children living in Jeddah City and its countryside. It also examines factors that contribute to the incidence of these disorders and their impact on children’s lifestyles. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study was conducted among 285 mothers of preschool children enrolled in kindergartens during the academic year 2020–2021. The Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire was sent out online through kindergartens to be filled out by the children’s mothers. The questionnaire assessed the prevalence of FGIDs subjectively through symptoms and their frequency. <b>Results:</b> Among the 285 participants, 9% (n = 27) fit the diagnostic criteria for FGIDs. Common FGIDs included functional constipation, 3.5% (n = 10); postprandial distress syndrome, 2.4% (n = 7); functional abdominal pain—not otherwise specified, 1% (n = 3); and functional epigastric pain, 0.7% (n = 2). Significant risk factors for developing FGIDs among the children in the sample included being a preterm baby (<i>p</i> < 0.01), being previously diagnosed with a gastrointestinal condition (<i>p</i> < 0.010), having a family history of diarrhea or nausea and vomiting (<i>p</i> < 0.001 and <i>p</i> < 0.01, respectively), skipping lunch at kindergarten (<i>p</i> < 0.01), and having pre-existing food allergies (<i>p</i> < 0.01). <b>Conclusions:</b> FGIDs were prevalent among 9% of children in Jeddah City and its countryside. Functional constipation was the most common disorder. Factors associated with FGIDs in children included preterm birth, being previously diagnosed with a GI condition, a family history of gastrointestinal conditions, irregular eating habits, and food allergies.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/3/242Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnairefunctional gastrointestinal disordersFGIDsfunctional constipationpreschool childrenbedtimes
spellingShingle Mai A. Khatib
Elham A. Aljaaly
Eram Albajri
Nahlaa A. Khalifa
Saleh Khateeb
Sarah M. Ajabnoor
Daniah Radhwan
Khawlah Aljohani
Aisha Y. Hussein
Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool Children in the City of Jeddah and Surrounding Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study
Diagnostics
Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire
functional gastrointestinal disorders
FGIDs
functional constipation
preschool children
bedtimes
title Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool Children in the City of Jeddah and Surrounding Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study
title_full Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool Children in the City of Jeddah and Surrounding Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study
title_fullStr Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool Children in the City of Jeddah and Surrounding Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study
title_full_unstemmed Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool Children in the City of Jeddah and Surrounding Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study
title_short Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Associated Risk Factors Among Preschool Children in the City of Jeddah and Surrounding Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study
title_sort prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders and associated risk factors among preschool children in the city of jeddah and surrounding areas a cross sectional study
topic Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire
functional gastrointestinal disorders
FGIDs
functional constipation
preschool children
bedtimes
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/3/242
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