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Factors associated with childhood constipation
Mustafa Inan1, Cagatay Y Aydiner, Burcu Tokuc
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne 22030, Turkey. mustafainan@trakya.edu.tr
Insights
Childhood constipation affects 7.2% of schoolchildren, with risk factors including family history and not using school toilets. Dietary habits and parental concern are significant factors in managing this common condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood constipation is a prevalent issue with multifactorial causes.
- Understanding risk factors and management strategies is crucial for effective intervention in school-aged children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of constipation in schoolchildren aged 7-12 in Edirne, Turkey.
- To identify associated risk factors and common management practices for childhood constipation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, descriptive study involving 1900 children stratified by school, age, and gender.
- Parental questionnaires collected data on constipation prevalence, bowel habits, socio-demographics, stressors, and treatments.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of constipation was 7.2%, with no significant gender difference.
- Key risk factors identified include family history, abnormal oral habits, low physical activity, never using school toilets (OR: 5.9), and delayed bowel control (OR: 3.1).
- Constipated children showed lower fruit/vegetable intake and higher consumption of milk products, biscuits, and macaroni. Parental concern was high (90%), with 23.2% seeking medical consultation.
Conclusions:
- Childhood constipation has diverse risk factors, including genetic, psychological, and organic influences.
- Dietary habits significantly impact bowel function.
- Increased attention from parents, healthcare providers, and educators is essential for addressing childhood constipation.
Aim:
To evaluate factors associated with constipation, determine its risk factors and identify common methods of managing constipation among schoolchildren from ages 7-12 in Edirne, Turkey.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study and 1900 children were stratified by the school population, age and gender. The questionnaire collected information from parents about the prevalence of constipation and associated factors as well. It asked about bowel movements, socio-demographic data, personal and family stressors, parental concern about constipation, and treatment methods.
Results:
The overall prevalence of constipation was 7.2%. It was 7.3% in boys and 7.2% in girls (P > 0.05). The parameters of siblings with health problems, constipation history in family members, abnormal oral habits, and little regular sporting activity were more common in constipated children than in non-constipated ones (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, never having used school toilets (OR: 5.9) and having problem to control their bowel after 2 years of age (OR: 3.1) were found to be major risk factors for constipation in schoolchildren ages 7-12 years. Constipated children had a lower consumption rate of fruits and vegetables and a higher consumption rate of milk-group foods, biscuits and macaroni than non-constipated children. Parental concern was at 90% and the rate of medical consultation was 23.2% for constipated children.
Conclusions:
The risk factors for childhood constipation may be genetic, psychological or organic. Bowel functions may be affected by dietary habits. Parents, health and education professionals should give special attention to childhood constipation.
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