Introduction
The global prevalence of pediatric functional constipation (FC) varies from 1 to 30% due to the heterogeneity of the studies in terms of target population sampling, method of data acquisition, diagnostic criteria, among others. Studies conducted by Osatakul et al. and Piriyanon et al. in Thai young children, utilizing Rome III criteria, indicated prevalence rates of 1.6% and 25%, respectively. However, there is currently no study on the prevalence of FC in Thai young children using the Rome IV criteria, mainly because no standardized questionnaire exists for this age group.
Aims & Methods
The Thai version of the Rome-IV Diagnostic Questionnaire for Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder (R4PDQ)-Toddler was developed then authorized by the Rome foundation. Guardians of children aged 6-48 months from six hospitals in five regions of Thailand from August 2023 to February 2024 were surveyed with the questionnaire composed of demographic data, the R4PDQ-Toddler for defecation, and the associated factors of FC.
Results
With a 98.1% response rate, a total of 1,874 guardians participated. The prevalence of FC was 16.1% (95% CI 14.5%-17.8%). Most presenting symptoms were painful or hard bowel movements (81.5%), large diameter stools (77.5%) and excessive stool retention (72.2%). Independent associated factors were age >1 year [aOR=3.36 (95%CI 2.29-4.94)], first-degree relative history of constipation [aOR=2.48 (95%CI 1.85-3.35, fiber supplementation [aOR=7.85 (95%CI 3.56-17.30)], and stressful life events in family [aOR=1.41 (95%CI 1.03-1.92)].
Conclusion
The prevalence of FC in Thai young children has been increased. Older age, family history of constipation, stressful life events in the family and supplementary fibers were associated factors of FC, warranting further evaluation.
References
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2. Koppen IJ, Vriesman MH, Saps M, Rajindrajith S, Shi X, van Etten-Jamaludin FS, et al. Prevalence of functional defecation disorders in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of pediatrics. 2018;198:121-30. e6.
3. Tran DL, Sintusek P. Functional constipation in children: What physicians should know. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2023;29(8):1261.
Disclosure
All authors have COI.