Citation

Rajindrajith S, Devanarayana NM, Benninga MA. J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 2015; 62(5): 698-703.

Affiliation

*Senior lecturer in Paediatrics, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, Ragama, Sri Lanka. 11010 †Senior Lecturer in Physiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, Ragama, Sri Lanka. 11010 ‡Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/MPG.0000000000001006

PMID

26485604

Abstract

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between faecal incontinence (FI), child abuse, somatization and health- related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents.

METHODS: Adolescents (aged 13-18 years) were selected from four semi-urban schools in the Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. FI was defined as at least one episode of leakage of faeces per month.

RESULTS: A total of 1807 adolescents were analysed [males 973 (53.8%), mean age 14.4 years, SD 1.4 years]. Forty seven (2.6%) had FI. Prevalence of FI was significantly higher in those exposed to sexual abuse (17% vs. 2.3% in non-abused, p < 0.0001), emotional abuse (40.4% vs. 22.7%, p < 0.0001), and physical abuse (51% vs. 24.3%, p < 0.0001). Adolescents with FI had higher mean somatisation scores [mean 20.1, (SD 14.5) vs. mean 9.3, (SD 9.2)] in comparison to those without FI, (p < 0.0001). Those with FI also had lower HRQoL scores for physical functioning, social functioning, emotional functioning domains and performances at school, together with a lower overall HRQoL score compared to those without FI (74.6 vs. 87.1, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between FI and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. They also have a higher somatization score and a poor HRQoL score in physical, emotional, social and school functioning domains in comparison to those without FI.

Language: en