Headaches and abdominal pain in children at preschool age: cross-sectional findings from the German KUNO-kids birth cohort study

Background Pain is a common symptom in preschool children, with headaches and abdominal pain being the most frequent locations of pain. Episodes of pain are challenging for parents, and also have medical and social consequences for the children and families affected. This study aims to investigate the frequency, family coping, and consequences of pain in young children. Methods Cross-sectional data from self-report questionnaires in the prospective German birth cohort study (KUNO-Kids health study) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic were analysed. Parents ( N = 777) completed follow-up questionnaires when children turned five reporting information on headaches and abdominal pain in participating children. Data were analysed descriptively, and group differences were tested for statistical significance. Results 62.4% of children ( N = 485 of 777 children) had at least one episode of headache or abdominal pain in the three months prior to the survey, with 8.5% experiencing only headaches, 36.0% only abdominal pain, and 17.9% both headaches and abdominal pain. Frequencies of headaches and abdominal pain were higher in girls compared to boys. Recurrent pain episodes were reported in 34.8% ( N = 65/187) of headaches and 61.3% ( N = 230/375) of abdominal pain. A comparison of the frequency of pain between the survey periods during and after the pandemic-related closures of kindergartens showed a significantly lower prevalence of headaches during the survey period when kindergartens were closed, whereas no significant difference was found in the prevalence of abdominal pain. The most frequently indicated events related to pain at both sites were illnesses. Parents reported the use of different treatment approaches in response to their childreńs pain with distraction rated the most successful treatment. Consequences of pain included taking pain medication, absence from kindergarten, parental day off at work, and doctoŕs consultation. Conclusions Headache and abdominal pain episodes are common in young children. The COVID-19 pandemic had no effect on the prevalence of abdominal pain and was associated with a lower frequency of headaches. Parents play a central role in dealing with these situations and use various non-medical treatment approaches. These pain episodes can have a number of social and medical consequences for the affected children and their families.