Study on Normal Bowel Pattern of Children and Prevalence of Functional Constipation

S. Reshma Shaliga

Abstract: Background: Functional constipation is a common pediatric disorder with substantial impact on quality of life, yet regional data from Southern India are scarce. Objective: To assess normal bowel patterns in children and evaluate dietary, psychosocial, and clinical correlates of functional constipation. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted at A.C. S. Medical college and Hospital (June 2024? July 2025). Children aged 2?12 years meeting Rome III criteria for functional constipation were compared with age-matched controls with normal bowel patterns. Data on demographics, diet, psychosocial factors, stool frequency, and consistency were collected using structured questionnaires and dietary charts. Statistical analysis employed SPSS 15.0 with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The prevalence of functional constipation was 13.5%, most frequent among children aged 2?4 years, with a female predominance and higher rates in lower socioeconomic groups. Early toilet training, breakfast skipping, low intake of fruits and vegetables, marital disharmony, sibling rivalry, and school phobia were significantly associated. Children with normal bowel habits averaged 1.14 soft stools/day. Conclusion: Pediatric functional constipation in this population is influenced by both dietary insufficiencies and psychosocial stressors. Public health measures promoting balanced diet, regular breakfast intake, appropriate toilet training, and supportive home/school environments may help reduce its burden.

Keywords: Functional constipation, Pediatric constipation, Normal bowel pattern, Rome III criteria, Toilet training

How to Cite?: S. Reshma Shaliga, "Study on Normal Bowel Pattern of Children and Prevalence of Functional Constipation", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 736-739, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25814170508, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25814170508