Abstract
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are characterised by recurring gastrointestinal symptoms that are not secondary to organic disease. FGIDs may cause reduced quality of life, with approximately 22% of children experiencing at least one FGID. This study aimed to assess FGID prevalence among children attending a tertiary care hospital in New Zealand (NZ). Methods: Children aged & GE; four years were prospectively recruited from Christchurch Hospital, NZ. Data were collected on demographics, medical history, gastrointestinal symptoms (Rome IV), and quality of life (EQ-5D-Y). An analysis was carried out using analysis of variance and the chi-squared test of independence. Results: The cohort included 156 children, with a mean age of 9.5 years (SD 3.3), 56% male. According to the Rome IV criteria, 29% experienced at least one FGID, most commonly functional constipation and functional dyspepsia. FGID symptoms were associated with Maori ethnicity (p = 0.012) and parental FGID (p < 0.001). Quality of life was lower in the FGID group in the domain 'Feeling worried, sad, or unhappy' (p = 0.002). Conclusion: the association of FGIDs with worse quality of life, in particular relating to worry and sadness, should highlight the importance of providing support to school age children experiencing FGID symptoms.