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Frequency of Functional Constipation in Lebanese Children: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Parental Reporting
Theresia Tannoury1, Jana Assy2, Nadine Yazbeck1
1Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Insights
Functional constipation (FC) affects 32.6% of children aged 2-7 in Lebanon. Pediatricians should screen for constipation during routine visits to improve early detection and care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Public Health
- Clinical Pediatrics
Background:
- Functional constipation (FC) is a common pediatric condition with significant impact on quality of life.
- Early identification and management are crucial for preventing long-term complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of FC in children aged 2-7 years in Lebanon.
- To investigate potential associated dietary and environmental factors.
- To assess physician inquiry about bowel habits during well-child visits.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cross-sectional study conducted at a single pediatric health system (AUBMC).
- Recruitment of 172 children aged 2-7 years during well-child visits.
- Data collection via parental questionnaires on bowel habits and medical history.
Main Results:
- FC prevalence was 32.6% among participants.
- Peak FC frequency observed at 5 years of age.
- No significant association found between FC and decreased physical activity or diet.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of functional constipation (32.6%) exists in Lebanese children aged 2-7.
- Physician screening for constipation during routine check-ups is suboptimal (51.7%).
- Increased pediatrician awareness and standard screening practices are recommended for early detection and management of pediatric constipation.
Abstract:
Aim: To determine the frequency and possible associated dietary and environmental factors of functional constipation (FC) among children in Lebanon followed at a single pediatric health system. Method: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in all pediatrics clinics at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Children aged 2-7 years presenting for a well-child visit were recruited. Data relating to the child's bowel habits and other history items were obtained from parental questionnaires. Results: The mean age of the 172 recruited participants was 4.94 years with 56.4% being males. FC was present in 32.6% of the participants. Although there was no difference in the frequency of FC based on age and gender, the peak frequency of FC was at 5 years. The daily frequency of withholding stools was 64.3%, and 46.6% of the children with FC always experienced straining while stooling for the past 2 months. Decreased physical activity and diet were not significantly associated with FC. Conclusion: The present study shows that 32.6% of children aged 2-7 years in Lebanon suffer from constipation while only 51.7% of the recruited children's physicians inquire about the child's bowel movement during the well check visit. These numbers highlight the need to raise more awareness among pediatricians on the need to screen for constipation during clinic visits as a standard of care practice.
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