TY - JOUR
T1 - Prevalence of suspected child abuse in children with constipation
T2 - A case-control study
AU - Vriesman, Mana H.
AU - Vrolijk- Bosschaart, Thekla F.
AU - Lindauer, Ramón J. L.
AU - van der Lee, Johanna H.
AU - Brilleslijper-Kater, Sonja
AU - Teeuw, Arianne H.
AU - Benninga, Marc A.
N1 - Publisher Copyright: ©
PY - 2022/2/15
Y1 - 2022/2/15
N2 - Background A possible association between child abuse and neglect (CAN) and functional constipation (FC) has been described in adults, however, limited data are available in children. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of suspected CAN in children with FC as compared with their healthy peers. Methods A case-control study was carried out in children aged 3-10 years. Children with FC were recruited at a tertiary outpatient clinic, and healthy controls were recruited at schools. Parents were asked to fill out questionnaires about the history and behaviour of their child, children were inquired using a semistructured interview about experienced traumatic events and sexual knowledge. The interview was scored by two independent observers. The prevalence of suspected CAN was determined according to the questionnaires and interview. Results In total, 228 children with FC and 153 healthy controls were included. Both groups were age and gender comparable (50% females, median age 6 years (not significant)). No significant difference in the prevalence of suspected CAN was found between children with FC and healthy controls (23.3% vs 30.1%, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.12, p=0.14), including a suspicion of sexual, emotional and physical abuse. Conclusion Suspected CAN was detected in both children with FC as in healthy controls. The possible association between CAN and FC in children could not be confirmed.
AB - Background A possible association between child abuse and neglect (CAN) and functional constipation (FC) has been described in adults, however, limited data are available in children. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of suspected CAN in children with FC as compared with their healthy peers. Methods A case-control study was carried out in children aged 3-10 years. Children with FC were recruited at a tertiary outpatient clinic, and healthy controls were recruited at schools. Parents were asked to fill out questionnaires about the history and behaviour of their child, children were inquired using a semistructured interview about experienced traumatic events and sexual knowledge. The interview was scored by two independent observers. The prevalence of suspected CAN was determined according to the questionnaires and interview. Results In total, 228 children with FC and 153 healthy controls were included. Both groups were age and gender comparable (50% females, median age 6 years (not significant)). No significant difference in the prevalence of suspected CAN was found between children with FC and healthy controls (23.3% vs 30.1%, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.12, p=0.14), including a suspicion of sexual, emotional and physical abuse. Conclusion Suspected CAN was detected in both children with FC as in healthy controls. The possible association between CAN and FC in children could not be confirmed.
KW - child abuse
KW - gastroenterology
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85125195636&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001338
DO - https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001338
M3 - Article
C2 - 35648803
SN - 2399-9772
VL - 6
JO - BMJ Paediatrics Open
JF - BMJ Paediatrics Open
IS - 1
M1 - e001338
ER -