Objectives: Constipation
is a widespread public health problem throughout the world and is commonly seen
in the childhood period. The aim of this study is to assess the etiologic causes,
clinical features and factors related to constipation among cases attending
with constipation complaints.
Methods: The files
and automation records of 162 cases aged from one month to 18 years attending
the pediatric health and diseases clinic with the complaint of constipation from
January 2018 to January 2019 were retrospectively investigated.
Home accidents were self-reported and questioned for the previous year. We
developed a composite index to assess the overall housing conditions. Housing
conditions were accepted “inadequate” if the score was below the median. We
developed a logistic regression model to predict the housing-related factors in
accidents.
Results: The mean
age of cases included in the study was 51.1±40.8 months (2-192 months), with
53.1% of patients (n=86) in the 1 month-3 years age interval. Of cases, 62.3%
were female and 37.7% were male. Toilet training had been given to 56.8% of
cases, with mean age of toilet training 2±0.5 years. Fiber intake was
insufficient in 72.2%, while fluid intake was insufficient for 84.5%. Of
patients, 56.2% (n=91) had begun supplementary nutrition early (before 6
months). Of cases, 22.8% had developmental retardation, while 13% (n=21) had
urinary tract infection as an additional accompanying problem. The most common
accompanying complaints were abdominal pain and bleeding while defecating. In
39% of patients, there was family history of constipation. The functional
constipation rate was 90.1%, while 1.9% had hypothyroidism, 1.9% had anal
stenosis, 1.9% had medication use, 1.2% had Hirschprung disease, 1.2% had
hypopotassemia, 1.2% had hypercalcemia and 1 case had vitamin D intoxication
identified.
Conclusion: Constipation
is associated with factors like toilet training age, beginning supplementary
food early and insufficient fiber and fluid amounts in diet. It may cause
growth development delay, urinary system infections and behavior problems.
Primary Language | English |
---|---|
Subjects | Health Care Administration |
Journal Section | Research articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | April 28, 2019 |
Published in Issue | Year 2019 |