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[Prevalence of chronic constipation in children at a primary health care unit]

Ieda Regina Lopes Del Ciampo1, Lívia Carvalho Galvão, Luiz Antônio Del Ciampo

  • 1Medicina, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, SP. irlopes@keynet.com.br

Jornal De Pediatria
|December 4, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Chronic constipation affects over a quarter of children in primary care settings. Key indicators include hardened stools and infrequent bowel movements, highlighting the need for early diagnosis in pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • Chronic constipation is a common pediatric issue presenting in primary healthcare.
  • Understanding its prevalence and characteristics is crucial for effective management.
  • This study focuses on a specific primary health care unit in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.

Purpose:

  • To determine the frequency of chronic constipation in children aged 1-10 years.
  • To characterize the clinical presentation of chronic constipation in this pediatric cohort.
  • To identify diagnostic criteria for chronic constipation in a primary care setting.

Summary:

  • A study of 313 children revealed a 26.8% prevalence of chronic constipation.
  • Constipated children frequently experienced hardened stools (85.7%) and infrequent bowel movements (interval >2 days for 17.9%).
  • Other observed symptoms included reduced fecal mass (25%), fecal soiling (14.3%), and blood in stools (21.4%).

Impact:

  • The high prevalence underscores the significance of chronic constipation in pediatric primary care.
  • An extended interval between bowel movements emerged as a key diagnostic indicator.
  • Findings can inform clinical practice and improve the identification and management of pediatric constipation.
Abstract

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