Determination of variables affecting constipation severity in children with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: Constipation is common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to investigate factors associated with constipation severity using a crosssectional analysis. Methods: This study included 79 children with CP. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Constipation severity, pain, motor function, spasticity, posture, sleep quality, fluid intake, and physical activity were assessed using validated tools. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of constipation severity. Results: In Model 1, motor function, posture, and spasticity explained 18.0% of the variance, with only motor function being significant (beta =-0.283, p = 0.035). In Model 2, sleep status, fluid intake, and physical activity increased the explained variance to 37.1%. Sleep problems (beta = 0.296, p = 0.006), lower fluid intake (beta =-0.332, p = 0.009), and lower physical activity (beta =-0.402, p = 0.023) were significant predictors. In Model 3, pain increased the explained variance to 45.6% and emerged as one of the strongest predictors (beta = 0.317, p = 0.004), alongside sleep, fluid intake, and physical activity. Conclusion: Higher fluid intake, greater physical activity, lower pain levels, better sleep quality, and improved motor function were associated with lower constipation severity in children with CP. These factors may guide interventions to improve gastrointestinal health in this population.