Investigating The Incidence And Characteristics Of Infantile Colic In Infants Aged 1-12 Months In Quetta District, Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Infantile colic is a frequent, although disturbing and stressful condition for both young infants and their caregivers, resulting in repeated medical consultations and parental distress. Even though indigestion is quite prevalent worldwide, there is little available information on its epidemiology in Balochistan province of Pakistan. We need to know how common it is and what the risk factors are, so that families and services can give each child the help they need. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with infantile colic in children aged 1–12 months in Quetta District, Balochistan.

Objectives: The main objective of the study was to identify the prevalence of infantile colic in relation to age range between 1 and 12 months. Additional aims were to discover related demographic and clinical factors, such as age, sex, feeding method, or ethnic differences among affected infants.

Research Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out at Child Life Foundation (CLF) Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta from January 2025 to May 2025. Inclusion of the sample Two thousand three hundred and five infants belonging to different ethnic groups (Pashtun, Baloch, Hazara) were selected by using convenient sampling. Age, sex, type of feeding and ethnicity were noted. Infants were divided into three age groups, 1–3 months (68%), 4–6 months (22%) and 7–12 months (10%). Sex ratio was 50.5% males and 49.5% females respectively. Prevalence of infantile colic was determined for each age group.

Results: The prevalence of infantile colic was 18.5% in 2,305 infants included in the study overall. Prevalence by age showed that colic was most common among 1–3 months old (21% of 1532 infants), followed by 4–6 months old (17% of 507 infants) and lower in the 7–12 month olds (14% of the 266). The prevalence varied marginally with ethnicity, in keeping with the heterogeneous population of Quetta. Feeding patterns were highlighted as a significant factor in occurrence of colic, with specific feeding practices being hazardous.

Conclusions: This study reveals moderate prevalence of infantile colic in infants born in Quetta District, with maximum occurence between the ages one to three months. Results highlight the need to identify age-related trends and feeding practices that may predispose foals to colic. These findings form the background for designing specific management plans and caregiver support. There is need for further research on other risk factors and interventions to reduce the burden of infantile colic on families in Balochistan.