Factors associated with childhood constipation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate factors associated with constipation, determine its risk factors and identify common methods of managing constipation among schoolchildren from ages 7-12 in Edirne, Turkey.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study and 1900 children were stratified by the school population, age and gender. The questionnaire collected information from parents about the prevalence of constipation and associated factors as well. It asked about bowel movements, socio-demographic data, personal and family stressors, parental concern about constipation, and treatment methods.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of constipation was 7.2%. It was 7.3% in boys and 7.2% in girls (P > 0.05). The parameters of siblings with health problems, constipation history in family members, abnormal oral habits, and little regular sporting activity were more common in constipated children than in non-constipated ones (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, never having used school toilets (OR: 5.9) and having problem to control their bowel after 2 years of age (OR: 3.1) were found to be major risk factors for constipation in schoolchildren ages 7-12 years. Constipated children had a lower consumption rate of fruits and vegetables and a higher consumption rate of milk-group foods, biscuits and macaroni than non-constipated children. Parental concern was at 90% and the rate of medical consultation was 23.2% for constipated children.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk factors for childhood constipation may be genetic, psychological or organic. Bowel functions may be affected by dietary habits. Parents, health and education professionals should give special attention to childhood constipation.
Inan
Mustafa
M
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne 22030, Turkey. mustafainan@trakya.edu.tr
Aydiner
Cagatay Y
CY
Tokuc
Burcu
B
Aksu
Burhan
B
Ayvaz
Suleyman
S
Ayhan
Sinan
S
Ceylan
Turan
T
Basaran
Umit N
UN
D002648:Child; D003248:Constipation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology