Health related quality of life (HRQOL), family impact and disturbances to child activity in children with abdominal pain predominate functional gastrointestinal disorders(AP-FGIDs); School based, cross sectional study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION This study assessed the impact of AP-FGIDs on life of 5-12-year olds and their families. METHODS A cross sectional survey was conducted in four randomly selected schools in Gampaha District of Sri Lanka. Data was collected using a translated and validated parental PedsQL TM4.0 Generic Core Scales and PedsQL TM2.0 family impact module. AP-FGIDs were diagnosed using Rome III criteria. RESULTS Eighty two AP-FGIDs children (63.4% girls, mean 9.2years, SD 1.9years) and 571 healthy controls (51.1% girls, mean 8.8years, SD1.9 years) were included in the analysis. Scores obtained for HRQOL were lower in those with AP-FGIDs in all domains (total 81.8 vs. 87.3 in controls, physical 85.3 vs. 91.8, emotional 72.5 vs. 81.8, school 73.7 vs. 80.7, p<0.01), except social functioning (89.7 vs. 92.8, p=0.83). The severity of pain negatively correlated with emotional (r=-0.31) and school (r=-0.359) functioning (p<0.01). The total HRQOL score negatively correlated with the number of healthcare consultations (r=-0.25, p=0.008). Scores obtained for family impact were lower in children with AP-FGIDs in all domains (total 79.0 vs. 86.9, physical 76.6 vs. 86.0, emotional 74.7 vs. 83.7, cognitive 81.6 vs. 88.2, communication 87.9 vs. 92.8, worry 83.1 vs. 90.7, family relationship 76.6 vs. 86.0) (p<0.01), except social (86.6 vs. 89.3) and daily activity (74.6 vs. 75.7) domains (p>0.05). The total score in family impact negatively correlated with scores obtained for pain frequency (r = -0.21) and severity (r = -0.267), anorexia (r= -0.20), school interruption (r = -0.19) and disturbances to daily activities (r= -0.32) and child's hobbies (r = -0.27) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION AP-FGIDs are severe enough to reduce HRQOL in affected children and has a significant impact on the families.