P0477 DETERMINANTS OF CONSTIPATION IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction: Constipation is a common symptom in children. The frequency of constipation varies between 0.3% and 37% throughout the world. Social factors such as attending to nursery or school, stool withholding, and lack of dietary fiber have been claimed to contribute to functional constipation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of social factors, toileting and eating habits, and lifestyle patterns in primary school children with constipation. Methods: 7300 primary school children (ages 6–14 years) from a city center were asked to fill a questionnaire. Children were divided into two groups according to the presence (large and hard stools, painful defecation) or absence of constipation. Chi-square and t-tests were used to compare variables between two groups. Results: 3593 questionnaires were returned (51.2% female, 49.8% male, mean age 9.6±2 yrs). The prevalence of constipation was 23.7%. The mean age of constipated children was lower than non-constipated ones (111.9±24.2 vs. 116.6±24.8, respectively p=0.000). Constipation was more common in girls (26.2% vs. 21.0%)Table 1: Comparison of constipated and non-constipated childrenConclusion: Constipation affects one quarter of primary school children. It was thought that sex difference in constipation prevalence may be due to dieting and hormonal factors. Constipated children have more problems with toilet training and acquisition of toilet skills, and voiding dysfunction was common in constipation. Quality of care giving, poor appetite and sedentary lifestyle were also related to constipation. Constipation is a complex problem with physiological, social, genetic, educational, and behavioral components.