Parental characteristics and functional constipation in children: a cross-sectional cohort study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Psychology
• Parenting Studies

Background:

• Functional constipation (FC) is a common pediatric condition.
• Parental factors may influence the development and management of FC.
• Limited research exists on the comprehensive evaluation of parents of children with FC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare personality, psychological health, physical health, and childrearing practices between parents of children with FC and parents of healthy controls.
• To identify potential parental correlates of childhood functional constipation.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional cohort study conducted in a tertiary hospital.
• Inclusion of children aged 4-16 years with and without FC.
• Assessment of parental personality (NEO Five-Factor Inventory), psychological health (Brief Symptom Inventory), physical health (Physical Symptom Checklist), and childrearing practices (Ghent Parental Behavior Scale).

Main Results:

• Mothers of children with FC showed higher neuroticism scores and greater psychological distress (depression).
• Both mothers and fathers of children with FC reported more physical symptoms than control parents.
• Mothers of children with FC exhibited more positive childrearing practices.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences in personality, psychological, and physical health, as well as childrearing practices, exist between parents of children with FC and controls.
• Parental characteristics are important considerations in the evaluation and management of pediatric functional constipation.