The problem of defecation disorders in children is underestimated and easily goes unrecognized: a cross-sectional study

We aimed to study constipation and fecal incontinence in terms of prevalence, recognizing the disorders, help-seeking behavior, and associated symptoms. In this cross-sectional study, 240 children (8 to 18 years) from the general Dutch population completed a questionnaire about defecation disorders....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of pediatrics 2019-01, Vol.178 (1), p.33-39
Main Authors: Timmerman, Marjolijn E. W., Trzpis, Monika, Broens, Paul M. A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anorectal
Children
Constipation
Cross-sectional studies
Defecation
Fecal incontinence
Feces
Intestine
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Original
Original Article
Pediatrics
Surgery
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Summary:We aimed to study constipation and fecal incontinence in terms of prevalence, recognizing the disorders, help-seeking behavior, and associated symptoms. In this cross-sectional study, 240 children (8 to 18 years) from the general Dutch population completed a questionnaire about defecation disorders. After exclusions for anorectal/pelvic surgery or comorbidities, we analyzed 212 children. The prevalence of constipation was 15.6%; in a quarter of the cases, it co-occurred with fecal incontinence. We found 3% fecal incontinence without constipation. Even though children with a defecation disorder rated their bowel habits worse compared to children without defecation disorders ( P  
ISSN:0340-6199
1432-1076
DOI:10.1007/s00431-018-3243-6