Functional gastrointestinal disorders in generation Z: prevalence patterns and risk factors

Abstract


This study was conducted to characterize functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) among Generation Z representatives in terms of their prevalence patterns and risk factors. According to foreign studies, the prevalence of such disorders affects more than 40% of the global population, which allows classifying them as global medico-social problems. FGIDs are widespread among youth, accounting for nearly half of visits to gastroenterologists. Based on the results of 14 studies conducted in Europe, North and Latin America, the global prevalence of FGIDs among adolescents is 23%, meaning that every fourth representative of this generation exhibits corresponding clinical manifestations. The main forms of FGIDs are functional constipation (12%), followed by functional dyspepsia (5%) and irritable bowel syndrome (3%). Recent studies indicate that patients with FGIDs are characterized by a high degree of comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. Modern scientific literature identifies the main risk factors for FGIDs in Generation Z as unbalanced nutrition, unhealthy eating habits, insufficient water intake, uncontrolled use of drugs promoted as «digestive improvers,» as well as anxiety, insomnia, impaired intestinal barrier regulation, suboptimal body mass index (BMI), low physical activity, and living in dormitories or boarding schools.

About the authors

Natalia Aleksandrovna Zubareva

N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health, 105064, Moscow, Russian Federation

Email: info@doctorzubareva.ru

Elmira Nurislamovna Mingazova

N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health, 105064, Moscow, Russian Federation; Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation; Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russian Federation

Email: elmira_mingazova@mail.ru

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