Identification of prevalence of constipation in infants aged 0–12 months in rural areas

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of constipation in infants aged 0-12 months in rural areas of Turkey. The study sample consisted of 203 mothers with infants aged 0-12 months. METHODS: Data were collected between April and June 2016, using the Rome III criteria and the Bristol stool chart. The data were analysed with χ2 analysis to compare the rate of the incidence of constipation according to variables and logistic regression (enter) analysis to evaluate all variables that have an effect on the incidence of constipation. RESULTS: Although the parents participating in the study stated that 19.7% of infants had constipation, applying the Rome III criteria showed the prevalence of constipation declined to 17.7%. Of the cases of constipation, 44.4% were female and 55.6% were male. A total of 32.1% of the non-breastfed infants were constipated and 30.2% of the infants who were started on supplementary food before age 6 months were constipated. In 50% of the cases of infants with constipation, the mothers also suffered from constipation. As a result, it was determined thatabout one fifth of the infants living in rural areas of Turkey have constipation. CONCLUSION: Education and counselling should be provided by primary healthcare institutions to the families who are part of groups at risk for constipation. It is also suggested that studies should be conducted to increase parents' knowledge and awareness of constipation.