Vol. 6 (04) pp. 1319-1324 DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/6986

PREVALENCE, CHARACTERIZATION AND RISK FACTORS OF CHRONIC CONSTIPATION AMONG SAUDI CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

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  • Departments of Pediatric Gastroenterology.
  • Pediatric , Departments of Pediatric Gastroenterology.
  • Neonatology , Departments of Pediatric Gastroenterology.
  • Endocrine , Departments of Pediatric Gastroenterology.
  • King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology , College of Medicine and King Khaled University Hospital. King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Abstract

Background: Childhood constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder worldwide and many factors have been associated with the occurrence of constipation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for chronic constipation among school-age children in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2016 to May 2016 May. We selected the two largest cities: Jeddah and Makah in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Children aged 7-17 years were recruited from 15 schools, using a random sampling technique in which all students have an equal and independent chance of being selected. A validated self-administered questionnaire on Rome III criteria for diagnosing chronic constipation and its predisposing factors was filled by each participant in a classroom setting. Results: Of the 9100 questionnaires distributed to school children, 7644 (response rate 84%) were completed and analyzed. Chronic constipation was present in 2459 (32.2%) with significant differences in constipation between girls and boys (77.6% vs 22.3%; p <0.001). The significant risk factors for chronic constipation included family history of constipation (OR=2.69, 95% CI = (2.33-3.09) and psychological/behavioral problems (OR=3.02, 95% CI (2.42-3.76). School toilet phobia, night sleeping <7 hours, homework >3 hours/day, omitting breakfast and exercise in school did not predispose the students to develop chronic constipation (all p < 0.001). The following variables were found to be significantly associated with chronic constipation; straining during defecation (OR = 30.15, 95% CI = (24.88-36.53), painful defecation (OR=18.41, 95% CI = (15.89-21.35), bloody stool (OR = 3.97, 95% CI = (3.16-4.99), and fecal incontinence (OR = 7.84, 95% CI = (6.49-9.47). Conclusion: Chronic constipation is a significant health problem among Saudi children. Exposure to stressful life events at school did not predispose the participants to develop constipation. Chronic constipation prevalence of 32.2% in study population warrants preventive measures such as health education and preventing childhood psychological insults.

How to Cite This Article

Mohammed Hasosah, Ashraf Alsahafi, Arwa Alghraibi, Nawal Alqarni, Areej Babatin, Ahmed Matrafi, Atif Alamri, Mansour Qurashi, Najia Atiah, Ahmad Al Sarkhy (2018); PREVALENCE, CHARACTERIZATION AND RISK FACTORS OF CHRONIC CONSTIPATION AMONG SAUDI CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY., International Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR), 6 (04), 1319-1324, ISSN 2320-5407. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/6986

Corresponding Author

Mohammed Hasosah
Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Assistant Professor of Pediatric, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences/Pediatric Consultant Gastroenterologist, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, National Guard Hospital, Jeddah

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