Prevalence and Risk Factors of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infants in Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose: Information regarding functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in infants is currently lacking in Indonesia. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and risk factors of FGIDs in infants aged 6 weeks to 4 months in Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 433 infants was conducted between September 2018 and February 2020. Information on FGIDs was collected using the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptom Questionnaire and the Feeding Practice and Gut Comfort Questionnaire. Adapted Rome IV criteria were used to define the FGIDs. Results: The prevalence of regurgitation was 26.3%; 16.8% of the infants presented crying-related symptoms and 5.5% exhibited constipation. The statistical analyses revealed that constipation was associated with sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–7.71; p=0.043), employment of the father (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.12–0.77; p=0.01), and education of the mother (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.07–3.51; p=0.031). Length at birth (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55–0.99; p=0.042) was associated with constipation. Length at visit (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76–0.91; p<0.001) was associated with regurgitation, and the weight at visit (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35–0.96; p=0.038) was associated with crying and/or colic. A history of parental FGIDs was associated with crying-related symptoms (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.23–3.68; p=0.007). Conclusion: Regurgitation, crying, and constipation are common FGIDs in infants. Some parental and infant characteristics may be predictors for FGIDs. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the clinical relevance of our findings. Understanding the determinants of FGIDs will benefit healthcare professionals and parents to improve infant’s quality of life and better manage these condition.