Prevalence of Constipation Among Adolescent Secondary School Students in Yenagoa, Nigeria

Background: Constipation is one of the most common digestive system disorders in children and adolescents. Objective: To determine the prevalence of constipation among adolescents in secondary schools in Yenagoa, a Nigerian city. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of children aged 10-19 attending public and private secondary schools in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. Eligible adolescents were enrolled using a multistage sampling technique. A validated interviewer-administered questionnaire obtained information on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, physical activity, and bowel habits. Stool volume and character were assessed using clay models and Bristol stool charts, respectively. Constipation was determined using Rome III criteria. The anthropometric indices of subjects were also measured using standard procedures. Results: A total of 935 participants were recruited (431 males and 504 females). Their mean age was 14.2±1.9 years. The prevalence of constipation was 18.8%. The risk factors for constipation at the bivariate and multivariate levels of analysis were a positive family history of constipation, attending public school, not taking watermelon, and ≥5 hours of television viewing time/day. Abdominal pain, straining at defecation, and faecal soiling of underpants were also found to be significantly associated with constipation. Conclusion: Constipation was present in about one-fifth of the participants. The condition was associated with a positive family history of constipation, attending public school, not taking watermelon and ≥5 hours of television viewing time/day.