Effects of Turkish family life and child-rearing attitudes on the development of functional constipation in infants

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Turkish family life and child-rearing attitudes on the development of functional constipation (FC) in infants aged between three and 12 months. Patients and methods: Between June 2024 and September 2024, a total of 72 mothers (mean age: 29.4±3.6 years; range, 25 to 38 years) were included in this prospective study. The constipated group consisted of 36 mothers of infants between the ages of three to 12 months who were admitted to the hospital due to constipation and diagnosed with FC according to Rome IV criteria. The control group included 36 mothers and was selected from those of infants admitted to the hospital for any reason other than constipation between the same dates. Demographic characteristics of the participants and data obtained using the Parental Attitude Research Instrument (PARI test) were evaluated. Results: The mean age of infants diagnosed with FC was 8.72±2.41 (range, 3 to 12) months. Demographically, mothers of infants diagnosed with constipation had lower educational level. No relationship was found between employment status of the mothers and constipation. The participants in the constipated group were more likely to be overprotective mothers (p=0.001) and to reject the role of homemaker (p=0.002). Also, husband-wife discord (p=0.000) and oppressive discipline (p>0.001) were higher than in the control group. Democratic attitude and equality recognition mean scores (p=0.002) were higher in the control group. Conclusion: Considering family therapy in the approach to infants with FC may add a new dimension to treatment and may significantly affect treatment planning and intervention strategies.