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Investigating factors associated with functional constipation of primary school children in Hong Kong
1Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. nurcmf@nus.edu.sg
Insights
Functional constipation in primary school students is linked to age and fluid intake. Increased fluid intake and eating fruits/vegetables were associated with a lower likelihood of constipation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Functional constipation in school-aged children requires long-term management.
- Numerous causative factors contribute to the condition, complicating prognosis.
- Healthcare focus often emphasizes medical treatment over preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with functional constipation in primary school students.
- To inform healthcare professionals and parents about constipation's nature and prevention.
- To encourage strategies for reducing the negative consequences of childhood constipation.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive survey was conducted in a Hong Kong primary school.
- 383 students aged 8-10 years (Primary 3-5) completed questionnaires.
- Data collected included demographics, constipation assessment, and dietary/environmental factors.
Main Results:
- 7.3% of students presented with functional constipation.
- Older students (around 10 years) were less likely to have constipation.
- Higher daily fluid intake (3-4 cups or 5+ cups) and preference for fruits/vegetables were associated with reduced constipation risk.
Conclusions:
- Findings enhance understanding of functional constipation prevalence and contributing factors in primary schoolers.
- Increased awareness can guide parents and healthcare providers in prevention strategies.
- Nurses can advocate for students, parents, and teachers in managing and preventing constipation.
Aim:
To examine what factors were associated with functional constipation amongst primary school students.
Background:
Constipation in school-age children has also been brought to the attention of health care researchers because this requires long-term therapy. The prognosis of functional constipation is vague because it has many causative factors. In fact, the focus on constipation in the health care system is always placed on medical management, rather than prevention.
Design:
A descriptive survey.
Method:
The survey was conducted on March 2008 at one primary school in Hong Kong; 383 children who are studying in primary 3-5 aged from 8-10 completed a questionnaire. Three main outcome variables were employed in the study: demographic, constipation assessment scale and dietary and environmental factors.
Results:
There were 7.3% students with functional constipation. Students who were age ∼10 (p<0.001), with a total daily fluid intake (200 ml/cup) of 3-4 cups (p<0.001) or +5 cups (p<0.001) and preference for eating fruit and vegetables (p<0.001) were less likely to have functional constipation.
Conclusion:
The findings should aid paediatric health care professionals and parents to gain a more profound understanding of the nature and prevention of functional constipation. To help primary school students and their parents to cope with functional constipation, greater familiarity with its prevalence and the characteristics of its contributory factors is needed. It is hoped that this could providing a better understanding and awareness of this issue and that it will encourage setting up strategies to decrease the morbidity and diminish the negative consequences of functional constipation for primary school students.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
Nurses can act as advocators for primary school students, parents and school teachers in understanding and preventing functional constipation.
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