Anxiety, Function Constipation
Conditions
Keywords
children, functional constipation symptoms, education program, maternal anxiety, motivational interviewing
Brief summary
Study Description (Brief Summary) Functional constipation (FC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in children. It is a widespread bowel condition characterized by persistent difficulty, incomplete, or infrequent defecation without an organic, endocrine, or metabolic cause. The prevalence of functional constipation in childhood ranges between 5% and 30%. The preschool period is considered a risk factor for functional constipation, as children experience new beginnings and spend extended time away from home due to school. During this period, mothers may experience increased anxiety. The aim of this study is to reduce maternal anxiety and improve children's constipation symptoms through a constipation training program based on motivational interviewing delivered to mothers.
Detailed description
Constipation is a common problem in children and can cause discomfort and anxiety for both the child and the family. This study aims to help mothers manage their children's constipation symptoms through a training program based on motivational interviewing. The program focuses on improving mothers' knowledge, motivation, and confidence in supporting their children's healthy bowel habits. The study also examines whether this approach reduces mothers' anxiety levels. The results are expected to contribute to better management of constipation in children and improved family well-being.
Interventions
OTHERMotivational Interview-Based Constipation Education Program
Structured educational sessions delivered to mothers using motivational interviewing techniques, aiming to reduce maternal anxiety and improve children's constipation symptoms
Sponsors
Necmettin Erbakan University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
This study uses a parallel assignment model. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which will receive a motivational interview-based constipation education program, or the control group, which will receive no intervention. Randomization will be performed using a block randomization method to ensure balanced allocation between groups. Outcomes will be compared at the end of the intervention period
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Mother of a 4-6 year old child attending preschool/kindergarten with functional constipation diagnosed per Rome IV criteria
Exclusion criteria
Mothers of children with congenital anomalies or chronic gastrointestinal disease
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Defecation Frequency | From baseline to the end of the fourth week, with assessments conducted at the end of the first, second, third, and fourth weeks. | The number of defecations per week will be recorded to assess changes in bowel movement frequency during the study. According to the Rome IV criteria, the weekly defecation frequency must be more than two times per week in order not to be classified as functional constipation. |
| Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) | From baseline to the end of the fourth week, with assessments conducted at the end of the first, second, third, and fourth weeks. | Stool consistency will be assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale to evaluate changes over the intervention period. Seven stool types are classified. Types 1 and 2 (scores 1 and 2) indicate hard stools, which are associated with constipation; Types 3, 4, and 5 (scores 3, 4, and 5) represent normal stool forms; and Types 6 and 7 (scores 6 and 7) indicate loose or watery stools, typically observed in diarrhea. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) | From baseline to the end of the fourth week, with assessments conducted at the end of the first and fourth weeks. | Maternal trait anxiety will be assessed using the Trait Anxiety Inventory Form. The change in scores from baseline to post-intervention will be analyzed. The total score obtained from the scale ranges from 20 to 80. Higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety, whereas lower scores indicate lower levels of anxiety. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed