National population-based study of constipation in children in Korea, 2002–2013

Background: The purpose of this study is to estimate the overall prevalence and incidence of constipation in Korean children and adolescent based on health insurance claims data. Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service – National Sample Cohort from 2002 to 2013. Patients age less than 19 years old were selected, and the prevalence and incidence of constipation were estimated. Results: The standardized incidence rate was 10.8 per 1,000 persons in 2004 to 14.3 per 1,000 persons in 2012. The standardized prevalence increased from 12.2 per persons in 2002 to 26.4 per persons in 2013. Females had a higher incidence rate and prevalence rate than males during the study period. The overall recurrence rates were 13.2%. The recurrence rates were 12.9% in males and 13.5% in females. The overall average constipation duration was 229 days. The duration was 222 days in males and 236 days in females. Conclusions: This is the first study to conduct a population-based study of all children in Korea with constipation. These data reveal the increasing burden and impact of constipation on children and could enable effective public and clinical health strategies to be planned.