Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Among Infants Aged 0 to 9 Months With Gastrointestinal Discomfort in China: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey

WANG Zhiling, JIA Xintong, HU Chijun, Jieling, HU Dandan, ZHONG Yan, CHEN Jinjin, HU Yan, LI Xiaoqin, LI Nan, LI Yan, NI

Abstract

Objective 

To determine the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in infants aged 0-9 months with gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort in different cities in China, and to investigate the associated influencing factors.

Methods 

A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted. The questionnaire was developed based on the Rome Ⅳ Diagnostic Questionnaire for FGIDs in Neonates and Toddlers and published literature. Data were collected from infants aged 0-9 months with GI discomfort at 17 hospitals across 14 cities in eastern, central, and western China. Information on family demographics, neonatal records, feeding history, types and frequency of GI symptoms was collected. Logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with FGIDs.

Results 

A total of 2528 infants aged 0-9 months with GI discomfort were enrolled, with 1315 males (52.02%) and 1213 females (47.98%). Among the surveyed infants, 72.55% were diagnosed with FGIDs, with no statistically significant difference in prevalence between male and female infants (P = 0.397). Regurgitation, with a prevalence of 39.83%, was the most common FGID. The prevalence of regurgitation and colic in infants decreased with increasing age, while the prevalence of dyschezia and functional constipation increased with increasing age. The prevalence of a single symptom was 57.48%, and approximately 15% of infants presented with 2 or more symptoms. The proportion of those presenting with 2 or more symptoms was the highest in infants aged 0-3 months (22.02%), whereas infants aged 6 to 9 months predominantly presented with a single symptom (65.96%). Univariate logistic regression identified significant associations between FGIDs and the geographic region, parental educational attainment, monthly per capita household income, infant age in days, gestational age at birth, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and probiotic use (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis results showed that residing in the western region (odds ratio [OR] = 0.407, 95% CI: 0.324-0.510), probiotic use (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.560-0.847), gestational age at birth (OR = 0.914, 95% CI: 0.837-0.998), and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding > 4 months (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.595-0.946) were significant factors influencing the occurrence of FGIDs (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion 

FGIDs are highly prevalent among infants aged 0-9 months with gastrointestinal symptoms in China. Their occurrence is linked to geographic region, probiotic use, gestational age, and breastfeeding duration. Future studies should focus on whether improved feeding guidance and breastfeeding promotion can help prevent FGIDs.

 

Keywords: Functional gastrointestinal disorders, Infants, Prevalence, Influencing factors, Cross-sectional study

 

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References


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