Importance of Cross-cultural Comparison Studies on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Abstract

To date, clinical knowledge on functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), especially heterogenous disorders, is limited. Environmental factors as early factors and/or current psychosocial backgrounds may play a major role in the pathology of brain-gut interaction disorders. It is expected that cross-cultural comparisons between countries may help resolve these problems. To promote international academic exchange, it is important that we thoroughly understand the socio-cultural situations associated with FGID.