Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41782620›Full record

Observational studyJNMA; journal of the Nepal Medical Association2025

Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Functional Constipation in Children Receiving Care at a Tertiary Hospital: An Observational Study.

Nirjala Aryal, Moon Thapa, Bishwo Raj Bahadur Kunwar, Bhumika G C, Kusum Lamichhane

Abstract readObservational Study
In one paragraph

Observational study in JNMA; journal of the Nepal Medical Association, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Nirjala AryalDepartment of Paediatric Medicine, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Moon ThapaDepartment of Paediatric Medicine, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Bishwo Raj Bahadur KunwarDepartment of Paediatric Medicine, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Bhumika G CDepartment of Paediatric Medicine, Shree Birendra Hospital, Chhauni, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Kusum LamichhaneKathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok, Nepal.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Pooled global prevalence of functional constipation is 14.4% based on Rome IV criteria. The condition often arises from voluntary withholding of faeces due to fear of painful defecation leading to symptoms such as infrequent and painful bowel movements, faecal incontinence, retentive posturing, and urinary complications. The data on functional constipation from developing nations like Nepal remain scarce. This study aims to find out sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of functional constipation among Nepalese children thereby facilitating early diagnosis and intervention strategies to mitigate its impact. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over a six-month period, from 1st July to 30th December, 2023, at a tertiary-level hospital with sample size of 241. Children aged 1-15 years meeting the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for functional constipation were included in the study. Demographic information along with clinical history was collected and analysed using STATA13. Results: Hard stools or painful bowel movements were reported in 197 (81.74%) children, stool-withholding behavior in 98 (40.66%), and fecal incontinence in 37 (16.18%). Other associated symptoms included abdominal pain in 161 (66.79%), decreased appetite in 95 (39.00%), and gastroesophageal reflux in 83 (34.44%) cases. Rectal bleeding was observed in 51 (21.16%) and urinary incontinence in 26 (10.91%) children. A family history of constipation was noted in 71 (29.46%) cases. Conclusions: Functional constipation is a prevalent paediatric gastrointestinal disorder, significantly impacting a child's quality of life. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent complications and enhance outcomes.

Indexed as

ConstipationAbdominal PainAdolescentChildChild, PreschoolCross-Sectional StudiesFecal IncontinenceFemaleHumansInfantMaleNepalPrevalenceTertiary Care Centersconstipationfecal incontinencegastrointestinal disorderprevalence

Identifiers

PMID41782620
PMCPMC12906722

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.