Udoh EE, Rajindrajith S, Devanarayana NM, Benninga MA. Prevalence and risk factors for functional constipation in adolescent Nigerians.
Arch Dis Child 2017;
102:841-844. [PMID:
28446425 DOI:
10.1136/archdischild-2016-311908]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To determine the prevalence and risk factors for functional constipation (FC) in adolescent Nigerians.
METHOD
A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural and urban areas of two states in the southern part of Nigeria. Adolescents aged 10-18 years were recruited from 11 secondary schools, using a stratified random sampling technique. A validated self-administered questionnaire on Rome III criteria for diagnosing FC and its predisposing factors was filled by each participant in a classroom setting.
RESULTS
A total of 874 questionnaires was distributed and 818 (93%) properly filled questionnaires were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 14.6±2.0 years with 409 (50%) being boys. FC was present in 223 (27%) with no difference in prevalence between sexes. Prevalence of FC was 29% in urban areas and 26% in rural areas (p>0.05). The condition was significantly associated with low social class (p=0.013). Exposure to stressful life events at home and school did not predispose the participants to develop FC.
CONCLUSIONS
FC is a significant health problem among adolescent Nigerians. The condition is associated with low social class.
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