Impact of Functional Constipation on Quality of Life in Children

Background Pediatric functional constipation (FC) is a common disease and may impair behavioral and psychological functioning and ultimately quality of life (QoL) in children. The aim of this study was to compare four aspects of emotional, social, physical and educational functioning of constipated children with their healthy peers by means of pediatrics health related quality of life questionnaires. Materials and Methods A total of 184 Iranian children aged 7-12 years, 92 with FC defined as ROME IV criteria referred to pediatric gastroenterology clinic of Rasoul-e-Akram Medical Center in Tehran, Iran, during Apr. 2016 to Dec. 2017 and 92 healthy children as control group, were enrolled in this case-control study. QoL in four aspects of physical, emotional, social and school functioning were assessed and compared in two groups of children with and without constipation. Results Mean age of children with and without functional constipation was 9.49 ± 1.76 and 9.49 ± 1.43 years, respectively. 61% (66.3) of constipated children, and 40% (43.5) of healthy ones were male (P=0.002). There were statistically significant differences in mean QoL scores, as well as all four detailed aspects of QoL between children with and without FC (P < 0.001). Conclusion FC in children aged 7-12 years may impair all four aspects of QoL, so early diagnosis and adequate medical treatment alongside behavioral therapy are necessary for successful outcome and promoting QoL in these patients.