Obesity and functional constipation in children
Abstract: Functional
constipation is a common pediatric problem in both developed and developing
countries. In the past two decades, the
prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide. Obesity itself leads to many
health problems, including functional constipation. Studies correlating obesity
to functional constipation have thus far mostly originated from developed
countries.
Objective To assess for a possible correlation between obesity and
functional constipation in children in a developing country.
Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Mukhlisin Islamic
Boarding School, Batu Bara District, North Sumatera Province, Indonesia,
between July and August 2015. The subjects were 150 students aged 12 to 17
years. Questionnaires were used to determine functional constipation and filled
by direct interview. Obesity was determined by body mass index. Data were
analyzed using Chi-square test.
Results Of 150 children, 49 had functional constipation; and 18 of the 49
were obese. The mean age of children with constipation was 14.7 (SD 1.07) years
(95%CI 14.1 to 14.7) and their mean body weight was 53.8 (SD 15.10) kg (95%CI
49.4 to 58.1). The prevalence for functional constipation in obese children
was 58% There was a statistically
significant correlation between obesity and functional constipation (prevalence
ratio=4; 95%CI 1.72 to 8.94; P=0.001), indicating that obese children had 4
times higher risk of having functional constipation.
Conclusion There is a significant correlation between obesity and
functional constipation in children.
Keywords: obesity; functional
constipation; prevalence; children; developing country
Author: Natasha Yuwanita, Atan
Baas Sinuhaji, Tiangsa Sembiring, Supriatmo Supriatmo, Ade Rachmat Yudiyanto
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg180013
