Irritable bowel syndrome in adolescents in Lagos

Abstract

Introductionirritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) which has been well described in western populations especially as the commonest cause of recurrent abdominal pain The aim of this study was to document the prevalence of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) amongst children in western Nigeria and increase the aware ness of IBS amongst physicians who manage children with abdominal pain.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst children aged 10-18 years in 8 schools located in two local government areas of Lagos state. A multistage stratified random-sampling survey was conducted using the validated Rome III criteria to assess for IBS and associated risk factors. The subtypes of IBS and associated extra-intestinal symptoms were also documented.ResultsThe prevalence of IBS was 16.0% in the study participants and the prevalence decreased with increasing age (p=0.05). Sixty two (62.5%) of the students with recurrent abdominal pain had IBS. IBS was more prevalent in the females compared to the males (p=0.000). The significant risk factors for IBS identified were gender (p=0.000), socioeconomic status (p=0.001) and past history of gastroenteritis (p=0.011). The commonest subtype of IBS seen was the alternating subtype.ConclusionIBS is prevalent in African children. Physicians who attend to children need to have a high index of suspicion for IBS in children who present with abdominal pain when there are no alarm symptoms. The need for further longitudinal studies in African children cannot be overemphasized.

Irritable bowel syndrome in children: Current knowledge, challenges and opportunities

“…However, two more recent epidemiological from Greece and Nigeria reported higher prevalence of IBS-M (47.9% and 53.6% respectively). In these two studies IBS-D and IBS-C were noted in 16.7%-19% and 27.4%-6.3% respectively[ 2 , 33 ]. In contrast, an Asian study noted an almost similar prevalence of IBS-C, IBS-D and IBS-M (29%-30%)[ 11 ].…”

“…Several studies from Greece, Nigeria, South America and Sri Lanka have recognized IBS as the most prevalent FGID among children and adolescents (2.9%, 9.9%, 3.8%-6.4% and 3.6%-7% respectively)[ 6 - 9 , 33 - 36 ]. Many other studies have also reported a high prevalence of IBS in China (13.25%)[ 1 ], Nigeria (16%)[ 2 ] and Turkey (22.6%)[ 3 ]. In contrast to this, studies from United States have shown lower prevalence rates of IBS (2.8% and 5.1%)[ 37 , 38 ].…”

“…Studies conducted so far have not shown gender as a clear risk factor for development of IBS. Some studies have reported a high prevalence of IBS in girls[ 2 , 11 ], while others failed to show such a difference[ 41 ]. Some studies have suggested that fluctuations in ovarian hormones may have an effect on development of symptoms in IBS[ 42 , 43 ].…”

“…Many studies have reported higher prevalence of IBS in children between 8-12 years and decrease in prevalence with advancing age[ 2 , 4 , 11 , 41 ]. The decreased rates of prevalence with age are most likely due to spontaneous resolution of IBS with time.…”

“…Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID)[ 1 - 10 ] with severe disabling upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms[ 11 ] and extra-intestinal symptoms[ 1 , 11 ]. It has a significant impact on daily activities[ 2 , 11 , 12 ], education[ 11 - 13 ] and health related quality of life[ 9 , 10 , 13 , 14 ] of affected children. The healthcare consultation rate is high in affected children[ 1 , 9 , 15 ] and it leads to a significant annual healthcare cost[ 15 - 17 ].…”