Abstract
AimFunctional constipation (FC) is one of the common diseases among children. The aim of this study was to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in preschool children diagnosed with FC and the impact of the condition on affected families.MethodsIn this cross-sectional, case-control study, 152 children aged 3–6 years with FC, 176 healthy children aged 3–6 years without FC, and their primary caregivers were selected. Chinese versions of the PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scale and the Family Impact Module (FIM) were used to assess childhood HRQOL and the impact of FC on family members, respectively. HRQOL scores were compared between children with FC and healthy children. In addition, a multiple step-wise regression with demographic variables of children and their caregivers, family economic status, duration and symptoms of FC, as independent variables, was used to determine factors that influenced HRQOL in children and had impacted caregivers.ResultsScores of physical, emotional, social and school functions, and summary scales were significantly lower in children with FC than in healthy children (p < 0.05). Physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and communication scores for caregivers, as well as daily activities and relationships for families of children with FC, were significantly lower than those of caregivers and families with healthy children (p < 0.05). Children’s ages, duration of FC, symptoms of FC, the child-caregiver relationship, family economic status, and caregiver education level emerged as the main factors influencing HRQOL in children, caregivers, and family members. ConclusionsFC had a significant impact on HRQOL of affected children and their caregivers, as well as their family functions. Social characteristics of children and caregivers, duration and symptoms of FC and family economic status significantly affected HRQOL of children and caregivers, as well as family functions of children with FC.
Highlights
Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) requires two criteria [12,13] First, the patient experiences abdominal discomfort or pain associated with two or more of the following at least 25% of the time: (1) improvement following defecation; (2) onset associated with a change in frequency of stool; or (3) onset associated with a change in form of stool
There were no significant differences in gender and mean age between children with Functional constipation (FC) and healthy children
Our results showed that health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores of physical, emotional, social, school functioning and a summary scale among children with FC were significantly lower than those of healthy children
Summary
The hallmark symptom of constipation is infrequent defecation (less than three times per week), which is often painful. Unrecognized or inadequately treated constipation can lead to significant abdominal pain, appetite suppression, fecal incontinence, perineal infection/cellulitis, fissures, fistulae or tags with lowered self-esteem, social isolation and family disruption. Non-specific abdominal pain has been reported in 33% and painful defecation in up to 68% of children with constipation [1]. About 50% of children with chronic constipation are relieved of symptoms after a year and 65–70% after two years, with much higher relief rates in motivated families that adhere to treatment regimens [3]. About 34–37% remain constipated 3–12 years after treatment [3,4]
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