Characteristics of Intestinal Habits in Children Younger Than 4 Years: Detecting Constipation

OBJECTIVES:The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence of childhood constipation, stool characteristics, and their relationship with toilet training and age of introduction of cowʼs milk. METHODS:A total of 4231 children born in 2004, from a birth cohort study, were assessed at 12, 24, and 48 months of age, when their mothers provided information on sociodemographic characteristics, bowel habits, toilet training, and age of introduction of cowʼs milk and other foods. RESULTS:The prevalence of constipation was 27.3% and 31.0% at 24 and 48 months of age, respectively. Among girls, at 48 months of age, it was 34.4% versus 27.4% in boys (P