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. 2025 Aug 16;13(23):105022.
doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i23.105022.

Validity and reliability of the Thai "Rome IV diagnostic questionnaires" for functional gastrointestinal disorders in neonates and toddlers

Kanticha Chatpermporn  1 , Yuda Chongpison  2 , Thitima Ngoenmak  3 , Suporn Treepongkaruna  4 , Palittiya Sintusek  5
Affiliations

Validity and reliability of the Thai "Rome IV diagnostic questionnaires" for functional gastrointestinal disorders in neonates and toddlers

Kanticha Chatpermporn et al. World J Clin Cases. .

Abstract

Background: The Rome Foundation's questionnaires, including the latest version, Rome IV diagnostic criteria since 2016, are widely used globally for diagnosing functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). However, a tailored Thai version for diagnosing FGIDs in neonates and toddlers is yet to be developed.

Aim: To develop and validate the Thai version of the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire for FGIDs in neonates and toddlers.

Methods: This study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Bangkok. The Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire for neonates and toddlers was translated into Thai following Rome Foundation guidelines. Validity was assessed using item-objective congruence. The final version was administered to 65 caregivers of children under 4 years. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient based on test-retest responses collected over a 4-15 day interval.

Results: A total of 58 complete questionnaires were returned. The median interval between the first and second time was 7 days (range: 4 days to 15 days). The item-objective congruence index for the Thai-adapted Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire was 0.74. Internal consistency, as indicated by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.753, 0.712, and 0.750 for the three respective sections. The intraclass correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability were 0.782, 0.782, and 0.807.

Conclusion: The Thai Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire for FGIDs in neonates and toddlers demonstrates acceptable validity and reliability, supporting its use in future clinical and research applications.

Keywords: Colic; Functional constipation; Functional diarrhea; Infant constipation; Infant regurgitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Steps for developing the Thai version of the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaires. IOC: Item-objective congruence.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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