Prevalence and risk factors for functional gastrointestinal disorders among secondary school adolescents in Isolo, Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Over the last few years, there is an increase in burden of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), also known as disorders of gut brain interactions (DGBI) globally. However, little is known of the prevalence and pattern among children and adolescents in most sub-Saharan African countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with FGIDs among secondary school adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria. 

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among secondary school adolescents 10 to 18 years in Isolo, Lagos, Nigeria, over a period of four months. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 696 children and adolescents from four secondary schools in Isolo, Lagos. Data was collected using a specifically designed questionnaire, ROME IV questionnaire (QPGS-IV). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 24.

Results: A total of 221 (31.8%) participants fulfilled the criteria for at least one of the FGIDs. The most prevalent of the FGIDs were functional constipation (10.1%), functional dyspepsia (9.4%) and abdominal migraine (8.6%). Others were adolescent rumination syndrome (7.8%) and irritable bowel syndrome (4.6%). FGIDs was significantly associated with exposure to stressful life events such as physical assault, emotional disturbances and sexual assaults [χ2 =19.82, p <0.001, OR, 1.842, CI, 1.125-2.713]. 

Conclusion: There is high prevalence of FGIDs among secondary adolescent in Isolo local council development area (LCDA) of Lagos. The risk factor associated with FGIDs among secondary school adolescents in Isolo LCDA was exposure to stressful or traumatic life event There is a need to create awareness on the disorder, the associated risk factors and the health consequences.