Behavioral Changes in Children with Constipation: A Cross Sectional Study in the Lebanese Population

Abstract

Background: Although constipation is a common childhood problem, its global burden was still quite unknown because data from many regions in the world were missing, Lebanon being one of them. This study mainly aimed to assess the effect of constipation on behavioral changes (physical, emotional, social, and school functioning). It was also destined to determine the difference in quality of life between constipated and non-constipated children and to provide the public health community with a study to identify the need of early management. Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted by Lebanese University students in 86 children half of whom were constipated. Recruitment took place at Rafic Hariri University Hospital. Results: A statistically significant difference was noted between constipated and nonconstipated children in physical functioning (mean score for non-constipated patients = 75.99; mean score for constipated = 46.44; (P-value < 0.002). Non constipated children also had significantly higher (P-value < 0.001) Emotional Health Summary Score (65.62; 17.71), Social Health Summary Score (75; 18.87), School Health Summary Score (71.58; 14.93), Psychosocial Health Summary Score (71.08; 12.19) than constipated children. Furthermore, the overall PedsQL total scale was significantly higher (P-value < 0.001) in non-constipated children (72.9; 12.45) compared to the constipated (50.86; 11.23). Conclusion: This study showed lower overall QOL in children with constipation, as well as impaired school, social, physical, and emotional functioning. This study shows the importance of evaluating and tackling all the components of wellbeing by pediatricians.