The relationship between anxiety symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms in gastroenterology outpatients aged 6 to 18 years with the mediating role of sleep quality

Anxiety, a significant public health concern, frequently affects pediatric patients aged 6-18. This study seeks to examine the association between anxiety symptoms and gastrointestinal(GI) symptoms in patients within this age range who are visiting gastroenterology outpatient clinics. Additionally, we delve into whether sleep quality play a mediating role in this relationship. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 226 pediatric patients aged 6 and 18, who were recruited from the gastroenterology department of the Affiliated hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. Data were collected using a customized questionnaire that covered demographic information, clinical characteristics, and various self-assessment scales. To explore the association between GI symptoms and anxiety symptoms, a multivariate linear regression model was constructed. Additionally, we investigate the mediating role of sleep quality in this relationship. After accounting for key demographic and clinical factors, the intensity of GI symptoms exhibited a positive correlation with anxiety symptoms (β = 0.098, 95% CI: 0.070-0.137, p < 0.001). Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between the severity of GI symptoms and anxiety symptoms, contributing to a mediation effect of 11.13%. In pediatric patients aged 6-18, more severe GI symptoms were associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety symptoms, which in turn were linked to poorer sleep quality. It is advisable to incorporate assessments of sleep issues into the standard evaluation for pediatric patients in this age group visiting gastroenterology outpatient departments. Findings suggest that interventions targeting sleep quality may help manage GI symptoms, though longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causality.