FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION IN CHILDREN: SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND RISK FACTORS ANALYSIS FROM A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL OF NORTHERN INDIA

Abstract

Objectives: This study was done to evaluate demography and probable/potential risk factors for functional constipation (FC) in children. Methods: This was a single-center and cross-sectional study; 100 patients ages ranging from early infancy to 17 years, who were suffering from FC defined by Rome IV criteria were recruited for 6 months. Data were gathered from individuals on sociodemographic characteristics, child’s bowel habits, and psychosocial risk factors by their caregivers using a questionnaire. All patients were examined abdominally and rectally. Results: Among the studied children 60% were females aged <2 years (54%). Most of the parents were illiterate belonging to urban areas (70%) having low (72%) socioeconomic status. Hard stools were the most common presenting complaint in 76% whereas vomiting was least common in 20% of the studied subjects. Abdominal distension was the most common finding on clinical examination in 42% of cases whereas fecal soiling was the least common only in 8%. Dietary habits were found one of the major probable risk factors. Living in the hostel or madrasa/religious residential institute was found to be a potential risk factor. Among psychological factors, history of fear of using a toilet was the most common type in 30% of cases. Conclusion: Female gender, low fiber diet, positive family history of constipation, low socioeconomic status, and illiteracy of the mother were all risk factors of FC. Fear of using the toilet was the most common psychological insult.