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Association between maternal food literacy and constipation prevalence in preschool children: a cross-sectional study

Akane Kojima1, Kanae Wada1, Yuka Tanaka2

  • 1Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Yamanashi Gakuin University, Kofu, Japan.

BMC Nutrition
|June 3, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Maternal food literacy impacts preschooler constipation. Lower maternal food knowledge, including snack choices and food planning, is linked to higher constipation rates in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Maternal Health

Background:

  • Childhood constipation is a common issue.
  • Maternal food literacy is an emerging area of research.
  • Understanding factors influencing childhood constipation is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal food literacy and constipation prevalence in preschool-aged children.
  • To identify specific aspects of food literacy that may influence constipation.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 376 parents and their preschool-aged children.
  • Maternal food literacy assessed using a validated self-perceived food literacy scale.
  • Children's constipation prevalence determined using the Bristol Stool Form Scale.
  • Logistic regression analysis employed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main Results:

  • Low maternal food literacy was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of constipation in children.
  • Specific areas of low food literacy, including healthy snack styles, daily food planning, and healthy food stockpiling, were linked to increased odds of constipation.
  • Mothers of constipated children had significantly lower total food literacy scores compared to mothers of non-constipated children.

Conclusions:

  • Findings suggest a significant association between low maternal food literacy and increased constipation prevalence in preschool children.
  • Improving maternal food literacy may be a potential strategy for preventing and managing childhood constipation.
Abstract

Keywords:
Childhood constipationCross-sectional studyMaternal food literacy

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