Abstract

CRUZ, María et al. Hábito intestinal en adolescentes servicio de gastroenterología Dr. “Alí Rivas” hospital Jesús Yerena de lídice mayo-julio 2006. Gen [online]. 2008, vol.62, n.1, pp.52-54. ISSN 0016-3503.

The risk factors for constipation are: progressive age, lack of physical activity, a high fat and carbohydrate diet with low amount of fiber. Objective: to describe the normal intestinal patterns of a teenage population in the west side of Caracas, Venezuela. Methods: descriptive transversal cut study in teen age students with ages ranging from 11 to 18 years of age in two private schools. Results: 36, 88% male and 63, 12% females In the Bristol scale, 40, 84% had type I, 14, 6% type II, 15, 35% type III and 29, 1% had a combination of types. 58,42% had frequent evacuatory effort, and 32, 43% sometimes. 25% drank 8 or more glasses of water per day. Discussion: the incidence of constipation was 23, 02%, it could be related to the consumption of processed flour, soft drinks, sweets, and frequent weekly junk food consumption. The daily consumption of fruit was 50% and the majority had inadequate water consumption.

Keywords : constipation; evacuatory effort; teen age; junk food.