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Prevalence of Functional Constipation and Relationship with Dietary Habits in 3- to 8-Year-Old Children in Japan

Asami Fujitani1,2, Tsuyoshi Sogo3, Ayano Inui3

  • 1Kanagawa University of Human Services Faculty of Health & Social Services School of Nutrition & Dietetics, 1-10-1 Heisei-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture 238-8522, Japan.

Gastroenterology Research and Practice
|April 24, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Functional constipation affects 20% of Japanese children aged 3-8. A high-fat diet is linked to increased risk, emphasizing the need for dietary awareness in pediatric functional constipation prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Functional constipation is a prevalent issue in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding dietary influences is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.
  • Previous research has explored various dietary factors, but specific links in Japanese children require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of functional constipation in Japanese children aged 3-8 years.
  • To investigate the association between dietary habits and functional constipation in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 3595 children (aged 3-8) from nursery and elementary schools in Yokohama City, Japan.
  • Children were classified as having functional constipation or not, based on the Rome III criteria.
  • Dietary intake was assessed using a validated diet-history questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of functional constipation was 20.0% (718/3595 children).
  • No significant association was found between functional constipation and gender or age.
  • Higher fat intake per 100 kcal was positively correlated with functional constipation (OR = 1.216, 95% CI: 1.0476-1.412).

Conclusions:

  • Functional constipation is common in preschool and early elementary school children in urban Japan.
  • Parents should monitor constipation symptoms beyond just defecation frequency.
  • Avoiding a high-fat diet is recommended for preventing functional constipation in children.
Abstract

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