Comparative analysis of the results of an online survey of mothers and outpatient observation of children in the first year of life with functional gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract

Objective. To compare the results of an online survey of mothers of children aged 0–12 months and outpatient observation of children of the same age using a parental questionnaire for the identification of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) according to the Rome IV criteria. Patients and methods. A total of 387 questionnaires completed by mothers of children aged 0–12 months were analyzed, as well as the results of observation of 61 children performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. Results. Analysis of the results of an online survey of mothers of children aged 0–12 months and observation of children of the same age revealed no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of FGIDs between these groups. The prevalence of regurgitation, infant colic, and dyschezia gradually decreased by 12 months of age in contrast to constipation, which debuted at the age of 3 months and by 12 months occurred with a prevalence of up to 14.9 and 8.2%, according to questionnaires completed by mothers and outpatient examinations, respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The results indicate the potential use of online surveys of mothers as a screening diagnostic tool for FGIDs in children of early age. Key words: children, functional gastrointestinal disorders, Rome IV Criteria, online survey, regurgitation, colic, dyschezia, constipation, first year of life