PD362 - THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NUTRITION-RELATED CONSTIPATION IN CHILDHOOD AND ANXIETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

PD362

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NUTRITION-RELATED CONSTIPATION IN CHILDHOOD AND ANXIETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

S. Ulusoy Tangül¹, E. Koç¹, H. Koçal^1,*, M. Ağrı¹, N. Karakaya¹, S. Hakbilen¹, Z. Karaca¹, A. Şenaylı¹

¹Kırklareli University, Kırklareli, Türkiye

Rationale: Nutrition-related constipation is a common pediatric condition that may affect physical comfort, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Although dietary habits play an important role in constipation, its psychosocial impact, particularly anxiety, may vary across developmental stages. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutrition-related constipation, eating habits, anxiety levels, and quality of life in children aged 2–18 years.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included children divided into four age groups: 2–4, 5–7, 8–12, and 13–18 years. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing constipation symptoms, eating habits, anxiety levels, and quality of life. Associations between constipation symptoms and psychosocial variables were examined using correlation analyses. 

Results: Constipation symptoms showed a moderate positive correlation with physical discomfort (r=0.645). No significant association was observed between constipation and overall eating habits or anxiety levels. In children aged 2–4 years, constipation was mainly associated with physical discomfort, with limited evidence of anxiety-related effects. Across all age groups, constipation was positively correlated with physical discomfort (r=0.523) and emotional well-being impairment (r=0.433), while its correlation with anxiety was negligible (r=−0.049). Better eating habits were positively associated with improved quality of life (r=0.421). A significant difference in fast food consumption was observed among age groups, whereas stool consistency did not differ significantly (p=0.64). 

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Conclusion: Nutrition-related constipation in children is primarily associated with physical discomfort rather than increased anxiety. Promoting healthy eating habits may improve quality of life, supporting a holistic approach in pediatric constipation management.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared