Factores asociados al estreñimiento en escolares, municipio libertador del estado Mérida Associated factors with constipation in schoolchildren, libertador municipality of the Merida state

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the risk factors associated with constipation in schoolchildren in the Libertador municipality of the Merida state, Venezuela. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional investigation was carried out in 120 schoolchildren between 9 and 14 years of age. A nutritional evaluation was carried out and a questionnaire was applied to inquire about family history, eating habits, fiber intake, water, evacuation pattern, physical activity. It was divided into two groups: without constipation (GSE) and with constipation (EG). Results: There were no statistical differences between the groups regarding age, gender, institution and family history, the average age of the EG was 10.69 ± 1.29. In the EG, the normal nutritional state prevailed with 53.8 %, and 23.1 % above the norm. The daily evacuation rhythm of the NEG is (1.54 ± 0.79) vs. EG (1.15 ± 0,) (p = 0.01). Regarding the hours of physical activity, GNE (5.06 ± 6.12) vs. GE (4.27 ± 6.26). The fiber intake in the GNE was (9.05 ± 8.69) vs GE (6.42 ± 3,) (p = 0.02). Intake of glasses of water per day NEG (4.36 ± 2.51) vs EG (3.92 ± 1.98). Conclusion: the factors that seem to be associated were lack of habit to go to the bathroom, low fiber and water intake, and not practicing physical activity. It is important to involve not only the parents, the schoolchild and the pediatrician, but also the teacher, since school is where the child spends most of the day, being a key objective in the prevention and resolution of childhood constipation.