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. 2018 Apr 22:11:1756284818768814.
doi: 10.1177/1756284818768814. eCollection 2018.

Minor digestive symptoms and their impact in the general population: a cluster analysis approach

Diane L'Heureux-Bouron  1 , Sophie Legrain-Raspaud  1 , Helen R Carruthers  2 , P J Whorwell  3
Affiliations

Minor digestive symptoms and their impact in the general population: a cluster analysis approach

Diane L'Heureux-Bouron et al. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Background: The classification and treatment of patients who do not meet the criteria for a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder has not been well established. This study aimed to record the prevalence of minor digestive symptoms (MDSs) in the general population attempting to divide them into symptom clusters as well as trying to assess their impact and the way sufferers cope with them.

Methods: Following face-to-face interviews, a web-based, self-administered questionnaire was designed to capture a range of GI sensations using 34 questions and 12 images depicting abdominal symptoms. A randomly selected sample of 1515 women and 409 men representing the general population in France was studied. Cluster analysis was used to identify groups of respondents with naturally co-occurring symptoms. Data were also collected on other factors such as exacerbating and relieving strategies.

Results: MDSs were reported at least every 2 months in 66.5% of women and 47.7% of men. A total of 11 symptom clusters were identified: constipation-like, flatulence, abdominal pressure, abdominal swelling, acid reflux, diarrhoea-like, intestinal heaviness, intestinal pain, gurgling, burning and gastric pain. Despite being minor, these problems had a major impact on vitality and self-image as well as emotional, social and physical well-being. Respondents considered lifestyle, food and disordered function as the main factors responsible for MDSs. Physical measures and dietary modification were the most frequent strategies adopted to obtain relief.

Conclusions: MDSs are common and improved methods of recognition are needed so that better management strategies can be developed for individuals with these symptoms. The definition of symptom clusters may offer one way of achieving this goal.

Keywords: general population; imagery; minor digestive symptoms.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: DL’H-B and SL-R are employees of Danone Nutricia Research. Over the last 5 years PJW has acted as a consultant for, or received research grant support from, the following pharmaceutical companies: Almirall Pharma, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chr. Hansen, Danone Nutricia Research, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Salix, Shire UK, Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and Allergan.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The main digestive symptoms experienced by women in terms of their usual gastrointestinal problem and their most recent problem. Results are expressed as a percentage of women experiencing the symptom.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
The most recent gastrointestinal symptom described in women using pictures.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
The most recent gastrointestinal symptom described in men using pictures.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Emotional and social impact of minor gastrointestinal disorders. The 10 most frequently reported effects are shown as the percentage of the whole population reporting that particular item.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Perceived causation of minor gastrointestinal disorders. The 11 most frequently reported causes are shown as the percentage of the whole population reporting that particular item.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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