Irritable bowel syndrome in children: emphasis on microsocial risk factors and protection

Abstract

Functional gastrointestinal disorders, in particular irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are one of the most common reasons for referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist.

Aim - to determine microsocial risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome.

Materials and methods. The study involved 54 patients aged 6-12 years with a diagnosis of IBS established according to the Rome IV criteria, as well as 50 practically healthy children from the control group using "family history" (descriptive and phenomenological collection of life history from one of the patient's parents). For statistical analysis of the data obtained, Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 5 programs were used. For the comparison of frequency indicators of independent groups, Pearson's Chi-square (χ²) test was used without Yates' correction for continuity. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results. In the group of children with IBS, the following family risk factors were identified: a tendency to somatization in the mother; frequency of visits to doctors by the child >6/year; frequency of visits to doctors by the mother >6/year; authoritarian parenting style by the mother, hyperprotective parenting style by the father, and a burdened history of other psychosomatic disorders. Children with IBS were more likely to have frequent overeating and food intolerances. Warm family relationships and a democratic parenting style on the part of both parents can be considered protective factors for the occurrence of IBS in a child.

Conclusion. Microsocial risk and protective factors have a significant impact on the formation of IBS in children.