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

ABSTRACT: 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 < 0.001), 46% constipated children and 67% fecally incontinent children rated their bowel habits as good or very go

SUBMITTER: Timmerman MEW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6311181 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature