Study of association between anxiety disorders and gastritis in children presenting to outpatient department in tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Anxiety in children can cause symptoms that mimic gastritis, hence commonly underdiagnosed. Unlike in adults, the association between gastritis and anxiety is not clearly established in children, therefore the present study is undertaken. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional study done in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 60 children (8–18 years) were selected through consecutive sampling after they met inclusive criteria. Informed consent is obtained from parents and assent from children. Children have been divided into two groups: gastritis and nongastritis. Sociodemographic data, Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders questionnaires parent and child versions are administered. Results: Out of 60, two groups 34 with gastritis symptoms and 26 with nongastritis symptoms were formed. Data collected were analyzed. Children reported higher anxiety than parents. Anxiety is high in children in both gastritis and nongastritis groups, with no significant difference between the two groups. Separation anxiety disorder is the most common. Among children with anxiety, majority are girls, living in the city, often consume spicy food, have more than 2 h of screen time, have a nonveg preference in food, live in a nuclear family ( P = 0.01). Conclusions: There is no significant association of gastritis with anxiety in children. Overall, anxiety prevalence is high in children. Factors such as changing dietary habits to reduce spicy food, less screentime, and more parental support in nuclear families can help reduce anxiety in children. Screening tests for anxiety at the pediatric outpatient department would help in early diagnosis and treatment. School-level programs can improve awareness about separation anxiety disorder.