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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

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Published on: August 22, 2012
[Prevalence of constipation in school children]
H V Maffei1, F L Moreira, W M Oliveira
1Departamento de Pediatria da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, UNESP.
Constipation is highly prevalent in school children, affecting over a quarter of boys and a third of girls. This indicates a significant public health concern requiring attention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Context:
- Chronic constipation is common in pediatric outpatient settings.
- Community prevalence data for childhood constipation is limited.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of constipation in school-aged children.
- To assess constipation using a validated questionnaire in an underprivileged community.
Summary:
- A study evaluated 1145 children from underprivileged schools using a validated questionnaire.
- The strict criteria revealed a constipation prevalence of 25.1% in boys and 32.9% in girls.
- Soiling and fecal blood were common comorbidities, increasing overall prevalence figures.
Impact:
- Childhood constipation is a significant public health issue with potential complications.
- Findings highlight the need for increased awareness and intervention strategies for pediatric constipation.
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