Abstract
Aim Constipation is a common problem prevalent in all age groups of children throughout the world. 95% children have functional constipation(FC). Children with dyssynergic defaecation have stool retention paving way for frequent stools and in slow transit constipation stools are soft. This study aims to find out 1) whether children with FC can pass more than one soft stools per day 2)the risk factors and manifestations of FC
Material and Method This prospective observational study done with 511 pediatric outpatients 0–4 yrs (159), 4–10 yrs (257) and >10 yrs (95) table 1 without chronic medical conditions between December 2022 and November 2023. ROME IV with another proforma was used. Details about breastfeeding, additional milk intake, complementary food, home diet, junk food, fluids, fiber intake, growth, sleep quality and problems, screen time, daily activity and play were collected. Differences in FC in all age groups analyzed using Pearson chi square test. p value < 0.05% considered statistically significant. All statistical tests are two tailed tests. SPSS version22 and Epi info (version 3.5.1) used.
Results Milk 400 ml daily, high calorie diet, breakfast before toileting, fast foods once daily, screens 2 hours prior to sleep, sleep 8- 10 hours, sleep issues, no play in sunlight, more indoor play, greens and vegetables < 3/week, inadequate fluids, passing stools at any time, screen time 1–2 hours, watching TV mobile while eating are significant risk factors table 2. Apart from routine, halitosis, headache and anal fissure were significantly present.
Conclusions 22.75% children had > 2 stools daily table 3. High calorie diet, toileting at any time, fast foods daily, screen 2 hours before sleep, 8- 10 hours sleep, with issues, no sunlight play, more indoor, greens and vegetables < 3 times weekly, inadequate fluids, TV mobile while eating are risk factors .Halitosis, headache, anal fissure figure 1, are few uncommon manifestations table 4.