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[Chronic functional constipation in children: diagnosis and prevalence in a low-income community]

M E Motta1, G A Silva

  • 1Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil.

Jornal De Pediatria
|December 20, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Chronic functional constipation affects 17.5% of children under 11 in a low-income Brazilian community. Straining during bowel movements is the most sensitive indicator for diagnosing constipation in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Chronic functional constipation is a common pediatric issue.
  • Prevalence data in low-income communities in Northeast Brazil are limited.
  • Accurate diagnosis relies on understanding symptom validity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of chronic functional constipation in children under 11 in Recife, Brazil.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of reported bowel habit complaints for constipation.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based survey was conducted with 536 children under 11.
  • Home-based data collection used a structured questionnaire for mothers.
  • Chronic functional constipation was defined by specific stool consistency, frequency, and defecation effort criteria over 30 days.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of chronic functional constipation was found to be 17.5%.
  • Straining during defecation demonstrated the highest sensitivity (96.8%) for diagnosing constipation.
  • Pain during defecation exhibited the highest specificity (99.5%).

Conclusions:

  • Chronic functional constipation is a prevalent condition in this pediatric population.
  • Active screening for constipation in pediatric consultations is recommended.
  • Straining is the most effective single symptom for diagnosing childhood constipation.

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