Prevalence and risk factors for functional constipation in adolescent Nigerians

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for functional constipation (FC) in adolescent Nigerians. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural and urban areas of two states in the southern part of Nigeria. Adolescents aged 10-18 years were recruited from 11 secondary schools, using a stratified random sampling technique. A validated self-administered questionnaire on Rome III criteria for diagnosing FC and its predisposing factors was filled by each participant in a classroom setting. RESULTS: A total of 874 questionnaires was distributed and 818 (93%) properly filled questionnaires were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 14.6±2.0 years with 409 (50%) being boys. FC was present in 223 (27%) with no difference in prevalence between sexes. Prevalence of FC was 29% in urban areas and 26% in rural areas (p>0.05). The condition was significantly associated with low social class (p=0.013). Exposure to stressful life events at home and school did not predispose the participants to develop FC. CONCLUSIONS: FC is a significant health problem among adolescent Nigerians. The condition is associated with low social class.