Functional constipation in children attending the pediatric surgery outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Constipation is a frequent cause of abdominal pain in children. It is common in the West, its prevalence in the Indian subcontinent is increasing. We used a structured interview format to study the demographics, clinical profile, and associated factors in childhood constipation in the South Indian scenario and devise a module thereafter for health education. Material and Methods: All patients who presented to the pediatric surgical outpatient department at a tertiary teaching hospital in South India with functional constipation were included. They were interviewed by a single trained person using a validated questionnaire detailing demographic data, disease details, and possible factors (dietary, psychological, and socioenvironmental) associated with functional constipation. Results: Fifty children and their parents/caretakers were recruited. Seventy percent of the children were aged 4–10 years and were largely males (66%); 58% were chronically affected. Most were in preschool (42%) or middle school (32%). Common clinical symptoms included hard and dry stool (84%), painful defecation (72%), and withholding of stool (62%). Unfavorable dietary habits (66%) and grossly inadequate water intake (80%) were common. There was a significant association between withholding of stool and soiling in the 4–10 years age group ( P < 0.05) and abdominal pain and feeling of incomplete defecation in the 11–15 age group. Females had a higher prevalence of abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and painful defecation. Conclusion: Functional childhood constipation is prevalent in South Indian society; identifiable factors must be addressed by lifestyle modification and health education at home and school.