Title : Ietary and behavioral factors associated with functional constipation in children: A hospital-based observational study
Abstract:
Background: Functional constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in children and is frequently associated with dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and behavioral stool withholding. Limited Indian data exist regarding the interaction between dietary patterns and bowel habits among affected children.
Objectives: To evaluate dietary intake, lifestyle patterns, and clinical characteristics among children presenting with functional constipation in a tertiary care center.
Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted among 54 children diagnosed with functional constipation attending a pediatric gastroenterology clinic. Demographic, dietary, behavioral, and clinical variables were collected using a structured proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and categorical variables as frequency and percentages.
Results: The study included 54 children with a mean age of 67 ± 52 months. There were 30 males (55.6%) and 24 females (44.4%). Several dietary and behavioral risk factors were observed including irregular meal patterns, low fiber intake, and frequent consumption of processed foods. A considerable proportion of children reported stool withholding behavior, painful defecation, and abdominal pain. Behavioral factors such as screen time, delayed toilet habits, and school-related stool withholding were commonly reported. Many children also had inadequate dietary fiber intake and irregular breakfast patterns, which may contribute to reduced stool frequency. Follow-up assessments showed improvement in stool frequency and consistency in children receiving dietary counseling, behavioral modification, and polyethylene glycol therapy.
Conclusion: Functional constipation in children is strongly associated with dietary patterns, inadequate fiber intake, and behavioral stool withholding habits. Early identification of modifiable lifestyle factors and structured dietary counseling may significantly improve outcomes. Community-based interventions promoting fiber-rich diets and healthy bowel habits may help reduce the burden of functional constipation in children.
Keywords: Functional constipation, children, dietary fiber, bowel habits, pediatric gastroenterology.
