Authors:

Abstract

Objective To assess the prevalence of constipation
and functional faecal retention among a group of
school children in Gampaha district of Sri Lanka.
Method This is a cross sectional survey. A
validated, self-administered questionnaire was
distributed to randomly selected children, aged 10-
16 years, in a semi-urban school in Gampaha
District of Sri Lanka. Constipation was defined
using Rome III criteria and Paris Consensus on
Childhood Constipation Terminology (PACCT).
Functional faecal retention was diagnosed using
Rome II criteria.
Results A total of 441 questionnaires were
distributed and 429 (97.3%) responded (53.1%
males, mean age 12.4 years, SD 1.5 years).
According to Rome III criteria and PACCT, 46
(10.7%) had constipation. Prevalence of
constipation was higher in males (14.5%)
compared to females (6.5%) [OR 2.45, 95% CI
1.19-5.1, p=0.012]. Twenty three (5.4%) had
functional faecal retention.
Conclusions Chronic constipation is a significant
problem, affecting approximately 10% of children
in a semi-urban school in Gampaha district. It is
commoner among males. Both Rome III criteria
and PACCT are effective in diagnosing childhood
constipation in epidemiological studies.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2009; 38: 60-64

(Key words: constipation, functional faecal retention, Rome III criteria, children, adolescents)

doi: 10.4038/sljch.v38i2.680

Keywords: constipation, functional faecal retention, Rome III criteria, children, adolescents