Keywords
gastrointestinal diseases
psychosocial factors
mental health
adolescents
Abstract
Background. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is diagnosed in [10÷15]% of older children, and there is a tendency for the prevalence of this condition to increase in adolescents. IBS is a long-term chronic disease that can significantly affect the quality of life of patients, causing both physical discomfort and psychological stress.
Aim. To assess the quality of life in children with irritable bowel syndrome under conditions of social stress during the hostilities in Ukraine.
Materials and Methods. We examined 30 children aged 6 to 17 years with irritable bowel syndrome. The diagnosis of IBS was made on the basis of clinical symptoms according to the Rome IV criteria (2016). For the analysis, the author’s "Questionnaire for identifying risk factors affecting children’s quality of life under conditions of social stress" (20 questions) was used. Responses were rated on scales of 1 to 5 points, as well as on dichotomous and graded scales ([1÷2], [1÷3], [1÷4] points depending on the content of the question). The total score ranged from 20 to 100 points. A descriptive, comparative and structural analysis of the indicators was carried out. The work was performed within the framework of the department's research project "Quality of life and the course of somatic pathology in children under social stress" (2023–2025), state registration number 0123U101768.
Research Ethics. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles governing medical research involving human subjects.
Results. The average age of the examined children was [11.4±3.5] years. Depending on the clinical form of IBS: constipation-predominant IBS was observed in 17 (56.1%) children, diarrhea-predominant IBS in 13 (42.9%) children. In children of secondary school age ([12÷17] years), a higher correlation between reduced social functioning and the degree of clinical manifestations of IBS was found than in children of primary school age.
Conclusions. Changes in lifestyle, violations of diet, increased anxiety, and emotional exhaustion contribute to the exacerbation of IBS, affecting the frequency and severity of symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, stool disorders, flatulence). Quality of life assessment should be an integral part of clinical monitoring and therapy planning in children with IBS. Effective treatment requires professional psychological support to reduce stress and develop adaptive mechanisms to respond to unfavorable environmental conditions.
Keywords: pediatrics, gastrointestinal diseases, psychosocial factors, mental health, adolescents.
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