Risk factors for the formation of the irritable bowel syndrome in children

Aim. To evaluate the association of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with risk factors in school-aged children.

Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study included 1,296 schoolchildren aged of 7–17 years. IBS was diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria, and subjects were divided into two groups based on the presence of the syndrome (64 children with IBS and 1,232 children without IBS). Anamnestic data that may contribute to the development of IBS were also obtained. The relative risk of their influence on the development of IBS was analyzed using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The statistical significance of differences between variables was assessed using the Pearson chi-square test. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results. Among demographic factors, being girl and living in mononuclear families (living without an older generation) were significant in the development of IBS. A risk of IBS has been established in schoolchildren born by cesarean section and in children who have suffered certain illnesses (frequent acute respiratory infections, parasitic infections, chemical and food poisoning). A family history of digestive diseases, including gastritis, gallbladder disease, pancreatic disease, stomach cancer, and duodenal ulcers, adversely impacts to the development of IBS.

Conclusion. Thus, it is clear that rehabilitation of children with IBS should be based not only on symptom management but also on normalizing pathophysiological processes and eliminating the factors that led to the development of the disease. Further, a more comprehensive study of risk factors is advisable. This will help ensure a personalized approach and optimize the treatment and rehabilitation of IBS children.

Contribution:
Polivanova T.V., Manchuk V.T. — concept and design of the study;
Polivanova T.V., Manchuk V.T., Vshivkov V.A. — data collection and processing;
Vshivkov V.A. — statistical processing of the data;
Polivanova T.V. — writing the text;
Polivanova T.V., Manchuk V.T., Vshivkov V.A. — editing the text.
All co-authors — approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Acknowledgment. The study had no sponsorship.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: September 17, 2025
Accepted: October 02, 2025
Published: October 30, 2025

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