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Chronic Functional Constipation and Encopresis in Children in Relationship with the Psychosocial Environment
Claudia Olaru1, Smaranda Diaconescu1, Laura Trandafir1
1"Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania; "Sf. Maria" Emergency Hospital for Children, Iasi, Romania.
Insights
Functional constipation and encopresis significantly impact children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Child Psychology
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Functional constipation and encopresis negatively affect children's psychoemotional state, social interactions, and school integration.
- These conditions pose challenges for both affected children and their families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between chronic constipation, encopresis, and the psychosocial and family context of pediatric patients.
- To identify factors contributing to the development and manifestation of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 57 children (ages 6-15) diagnosed with encopresis was assessed in a pediatric gastroenterology setting.
- Sociodemographic, medical, and psychological data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 20 software.
Main Results:
- The study group comprised 57 children with encopresis (75.44% boys), with an average age of 10.82 years.
- Most children originated from urban families with lower socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.
- A significant correlation was found between encopretic episodes and poorer school performance, increased anxiety/depression, social difficulties, and disruptive behavior.
Conclusions:
- The family environment and socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in the presentation of chronic constipation and encopresis in children.
- Addressing these psychosocial and environmental factors is essential for managing pediatric functional constipation and encopresis.
Abstract:
Functional constipation is an issue for both the patient and his/her family, affecting the patient's psychoemotional balance, social relations, and their harmonious integration in the school environment. We aimed to highlight the connection between chronic constipation and encopresis and the patient's psychosocial and family-related situation. Material and Method. 57 patients with ages spanning from 6 to 15 were assessed within the pediatric gastroenterology ward. Sociodemographic, medical, and psychological data was recorded. The collected data was processed using the SPSS 20 software. Results. The study group consisted of 57 children diagnosed with encopresis (43 boys (75.44%) and 14 girls (24.56%)), M = 10.82 years. It was determined that most of the children came from urban families with a poor socioeducational status. We identified a level of studies of 11.23 ± 5.56 years in mothers, while fathers had an average number of 9.35 ± 4.53 years of study. We also found a complex relationship between encopretic episodes and school performances (F = 7.968, p = 0.001, 95% Cl). Children with encopresis were found to have more anxiety/depression symptoms, greater social problems, more disruptive behavior, and poorer school performance. Conclusions. The study highlights the importance of the family environment and socioeconomic factors in manifestations of chronic constipation and encopresis.
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