Objective: Functional constipation (FC) is one of the most common health problem in children. It is well known that dietary habit can affect defecation. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and e?ect of dietary habits on functional constipation in preschool children in Wage, Sidoarjo.
Method: A cross sectional study was done in children aged 2 to 4 years from 7 health centers (posyandu) in Wage, Sidoarjo. The subjects were divided into an FC group and a non-FC group according to the Rome III criteria. Subjects with 2 or more positive items were classi?ed into the FC group, and the remaining participants were classi?ed into the non-FC group. Dietary intake data were collected using questionnaire. Calories, proteins, fat, carbohydrates and fiber were counted based on exchange food list. All data were analysed with odd ratio, independent sample test and Mann Whitney test.
Results: Of the 97 subjects evaluated, 58 (59,8%) were boy. There were 77 (79,4%) had functional constipation. The association between functional constipation and gender was not statistically signi?cant [odds ratio (OR): 0,571, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.198–1,645]. A decrease in bowel frequency was observed in 56 (72,7%) children of those with FC. Mann Whitney analysis indicated that only fiber positively correlated with FC (p=0,026).
Conclusions: Functional constipation is common in preschool children. Decrease in bowel frequency is the most symptom of FC. Fiber consumption in daily diet is suggested to prevent FC.