Constipation and Diet in Primary School Children

Abstract

Little data is available on the incidence of constipation in primary school children. This study investigates the incidence of constipation in 398 primarily school children of ages 8 to 14 years. At interview, information about their bowel habit, diet, weight, national background and social status was obtained. Forty-four per cent of girls were constipated compared to 30% of boys. A slight majority of children from Southern European origin were constipated (52%). Age, grade and weight did not influence constipation. Although there were differences between school social status and parents’ occupation group, none of these were statistically significant. Constipated children were found to consume significantly less unrefined cereals and total fruit and vegetables. It is suggested that improvement of nutritional education in schools could lead to improved diets in these school children.