14781-koppen

45 Prevalence of functional defecation disorders 1 Age distribution Studies reporting on the prevalence of FNRFI all described samples with overlapping age ranges, therefore data were not pooled for comparison. One of these studies reported on the relationship between age and the prevalence and FNRFI but found no statistically significant differences between children aged 10-11 years (0.3%), 12-14 years (0.1%) and >15 years (0.4%). 26 Associated factors FC Family and socioeconomic factors Several studies reported on the relationship between FC and socioeconomic status. Studies from Korea and Turkey found that low education level or low family income did not differ significantly between children with FC and controls. 23,44 Moreover, studies from Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia reported no significant differences in maternal or paternal employment rates when comparing children with FC and healthy peers. 17,53 However, in a study from Nigeria prevalence of FC was higher among children of low social class compared with those of high social class. 51 In addition, in a study from Sri Lanka, job loss by a parent was independently associated with FC in children (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.73-4.46, P < .001). 20 No significant differences were reported regarding family size between children with and without FC. 17,20,44 Conflicting results were reported on separation of parents and its association with the prevalence of FC . 33,51 A positive family history of constipation was reported to be significantly more common in children with FC compared to children without FC. 23,32,44 Furthermore, health problems of a sibling (14% vs. 9.4%, P = .014) or severe illness of a member of the family (25.5% vs. 12.3%, adjusted OR 1.64, P = .001) have been reported to be more common in children with FC. 20,44 Lifestyle factors The association of FC and dietary habits was reported in 6 studies. 17,23,27–29,44 Children with constipation were reported to display a significantly lower intake of fruits and vegetables per week as compared to controls. 17,23,27,29,44 Frequent consumption of fast food was described to be independently associated with FC in children (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.26%). 28 In infants, less than 6 months of breastfeeding was significantly related to a higher FC rate. 17,23 In a birth cohort study, breastfeeding was also significantly associated with less constipated infants at 3 months of age, but not at 6 and 12 months. 45