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Updated: Mar 3, 2026

Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
Published on: July 5, 2024
Prevalence and risk factors for functional constipation in adolescent Nigerians
Ekong Emmanuel Udoh1, Shaman Rajindrajith2, Niranga Manjuri Devanarayana3
1Paediatrics Department, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
Objectives:
To determine the prevalence and risk factors for functional constipation (FC) in adolescent Nigerians.
Method:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural and urban areas of two states in the southern part of Nigeria. Adolescents aged 10-18 years were recruited from 11 secondary schools, using a stratified random sampling technique. A validated self-administered questionnaire on Rome III criteria for diagnosing FC and its predisposing factors was filled by each participant in a classroom setting.
Results:
A total of 874 questionnaires was distributed and 818 (93%) properly filled questionnaires were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 14.6±2.0 years with 409 (50%) being boys. FC was present in 223 (27%) with no difference in prevalence between sexes. Prevalence of FC was 29% in urban areas and 26% in rural areas (p>0.05). The condition was significantly associated with low social class (p=0.013). Exposure to stressful life events at home and school did not predispose the participants to develop FC.
Conclusions:
FC is a significant health problem among adolescent Nigerians. The condition is associated with low social class.
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