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Normal defecation pattern, frequency of constipation and factors related to constipation in Turkish children 0-6

Pınar Kocaay1, Odul Eğrıtaş, Buket Dalgiç

  • 1Gazi University, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Ankara, Turkey. odulmd2003@yahoo.com.

The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology : the Official Journal of Turkish Society of Gastroenterology
|September 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Functional constipation affects 4.7% of children aged 0-6 years. Dietary factors and avoiding school toilets are key considerations for treatment in pediatric constipation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Child Health Research
  • Functional Constipation Studies

Background:

  • Investigating defecation patterns and constipation in young children is crucial for early diagnosis.
  • Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors of functional constipation in pediatric populations is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine defecation characteristics, constipation frequency, and influencing factors in children aged 0-6 years.
  • To identify reasons and contributing elements for functional constipation in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study involving 1018 children aged 0-6 years at pediatric polyclinics.
  • Data collection via structured questionnaires for parents, physical examinations, and analysis of stool frequency, feeding patterns, and demographics.

Main Results:

  • 4.7% of children (48 out of 1018) were diagnosed with constipation, with a slightly higher prevalence in males.
  • Major complaints included discomfort, pain, infrequent defecation, hard stools, and rectal bleeding.
  • Parents identified dietary factors (37.5%) and refraining from school toilets (14.6%) as significant contributors.

Conclusions:

  • While constipation can indicate serious issues in newborns, 95% of older children present with functional constipation.
  • Dietary modifications and addressing toilet avoidance behaviors are critical components in managing pediatric functional constipation.
Abstract

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