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 child abuse and neglect (CAN) in children with functional constipation (FC) as compared to their healthy peers.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 behavior of their child, children were inquired using a semi-structured 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. 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 (NS)). Significantly more parents of children with FC had a low education level as compared to parents of healthy controls (66.2% vs. 32.7%, p<0.001). 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 0.44-1.12, 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.
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