BLADDER AND BOWEL DYSFUNCTION IN MOTHERS AND CHILDREN: A POPULATION-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Urology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• A known association exists between lower urinary tract symptoms in mothers and children.
• The specific role of functional constipation in this mother-child relationship remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and association of bladder and bowel dysfunction in mothers and their children.
• To determine if maternal bladder and bowel dysfunction is a risk factor for similar conditions in offspring.

Main Methods:

• A population-based, cross-sectional study involving 441 mother-child pairs.
• Utilized self-administered questionnaires based on Rome IV criteria, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Overactive Bladder, and Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System.

Main Results:

• Bladder bowel dysfunction was observed in 17.7% of mothers and 11.6% of children.
• A significant association was found between bladder bowel dysfunction in mothers and children (OR=5.4).
• Isolated constipation also showed a familial association (OR=3.0).

Conclusions:

• Maternal bladder bowel dysfunction is a strong predictor of similar dysfunction in children.
• The familial aggregation of bladder and bowel dysfunction underscores its importance in clinical presentations.