Rome Foundation Releases Key Data on Worldwide Prevalence & Burden of Disorders of both adult and pediatric Gut-Brain Interaction, according to the new Rome V consensus criteria.
RALEIGH, NC (August 12, 2026) – The Rome Foundation has published two new studies, one adult and one pediatric, in the prestigious journal Gut, on the global prevalence and burden of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI), leveraging the new Rome V diagnostic criteria. Led by Drs. Ami Sperber, Dr. Oli Olafur Palsson, Dr. Sam Nurko, and Dr. Tiffany Taft, the Rome Foundation’s Research Institute, worked with physician-scientists in each of 15 countries, surveying more than 2,000 adults and finding that over 40% of people worldwide have a DGBI — more common in women and declining with age. The study also delivered first-ever prevalence data on two new Rome V diagnoses: inability to belch syndrome and abdominal migraine.
The Institute also conducted an unprecedented parallel global pediatric epidemiology study, led by Dr. Nurko, surveying 8,000 caregivers in China, Italy, Mexico, and the USA. DGBI was found to affected 28.0% of children, most commonly defecation and anorectal disorders, but also highlighting the prevalence of new entities like feeding and esophageal disorders, with notable differences across countries.
“These studies confirm the Rome Foundation’s commitment to advancing DGBI science and its reach as a global research organization,” said Rome Foundation President Jan Tack. Global Study Director Dr. Ami Sperber added that the databases “will provide substance for new analyses and multiple papers… for years to come.” “This first-of-its-kind pediatric study not only reveals important differences in DGBI prevalence across countries, paving the way for future research into their causes, but also highlights the profound impact of DGBI on children’s functioning and family life,” added Dr. Samuel Nurko.
The previous Rome IV adult global epidemiology study has had a major impact on the DGBI field, with over 1,750 citations and 65+ published articles; the Rome V studies are expected to have a similar impact.
The papers can be accessed through these links:
Adult Rome V Epidemiology publication
Online: doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2026-339666
Pediatric Rome V Epidemiology publication
Online: doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2026-339667Â
About the Rome Foundation
An independent not-for-profit dedicated to improving the lives of people with DGBI through excellence in clinical care, education, and research, the Rome Foundation has spent 35+ years convening global scientists and clinicians to advance the science of gastrointestinal function, most recently through the Rome V diagnostic criteria. Learn more at https://theromefoundation.org/
For media inquiries, please contact Executive Director Tanya Murphy, tm*****@***************on.org
