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. 2025 Sep;28(5):302-311.
doi: 10.5223/pghn.2025.28.5.302. Epub 2025 Sep 9.

Prevalence of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction in Indonesian Adolescents: Has It Increased during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic?

Andy Darma  1   2 , Ni Nyoman Metriani Nesa  1   2   3 , Khadijah Rizky Sumitro  1   2 , Evi Rokhayati  4 , Budiyanto  1   2   5 , Karolina Trigemayanti Tallo  6   7 , Novi Rahayu Ariyanti  1   2   8 , Lucia Pudyastuti Retnaningtyas  9 , Dian Dwi Sari Mustika Febryani  10   11 , Imanuel Yulius Malino  12 , Herwina Brahmantya  13   14 , Wenas Wenas  15 , Alpha Fardah Athiyyah  1   2 , Reza Gunadi Ranuh  1   2 , Subijanto Marto Sudarmo  1   2
Affiliations

Prevalence of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction in Indonesian Adolescents: Has It Increased during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic?

Andy Darma et al. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2025 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: The prevalence of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), previously known as functional gastrointestinal disorders, has increased among children and adolescents, impacting their quality of life. Lifestyle changes during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, such as decreased physical activity and altered dietary habits, may have contributed to this increase rise. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of DGBIs among Indonesian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Rome IV diagnostic criteria.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March 2022 to April 2023 involving 5,247 adolescents (aged 13-18 years) from nine provinces in Indonesia (Riau, Riau Islands, Central Java, East Java, Bali, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara, and Papua). Data were collected via online and offline versions of the Rome IV questionnaire and analyzed descriptively to determine DGBI prevalence rates by age, sex, and region.

Results: The prevalence of DGBIs was greater in females than males and among adolescents living in urban areas. We found that 28.4% of adolescents were diagnosed with at least one DGBI, with functional constipation being the most prevalent (21.8%), followed by functional dyspepsia (4.5%). Additionally, 13.5% of respondents experienced two overlapping DGBIs, and 1.3% suffered from three overlapping DGBIs simultaneously. The prevalence rate of DGBI varied significantly across the participating provinces.

Conclusion: DGBIs are highly prevalent among Indonesian adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings can guide public health strategies to address adolescent gastrointestinal health in Indonesia and other regions.

Keywords: Adolescent; COVID-19; Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactio; Indonesia; Rome IV criteria.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Distribution pattern of region and different data collection methods used by the respondents (N=5,247). The total number of respondents from each province is shown as frequency (n) and percentage (%). The data collection methods (paper-based, google-form-based, and both) are depicted as different colored-coded regions.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. (A) Prevalence of any DGBI in Indonesian adolescents after the coronavirus disease pandemic. (B) Venn diagram depicting overlapping DGBI in the three DGBI subgroups (n=1,489).
DGBI: disorders of gut-brain interaction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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