Evaluating the role of the Bristol stool chart in diagnosing functional constipation in pediatric populations

Table 3 Results from the questionnaire on bowel habits in the Rome IV criteria, n (%)

Description	Total (n = 275)	Functional constipation (n = 43)	Non-functional constipation (n = 232)
Bristol stool chart	275 (100)
1-2 (hard)	25 (9.1)	21 (48.8)	4 (1.7)
3-5 (normal)	215 (78.2)	14 (32.6)	201 (86.6)
6-7 (loose/liquid)	35 (12.7)	8 (18.6)	27 (11.6)
Defecation frequency	275 (100)
< 3 × /week	7 (2.5)	5 (11.6)	2 (0.9)
3-6 × /week	75 (27.3)	24 (55.8)	51 (22)
Daily	118 (43)	10 (23.3)	108 (46.6)
2-3 × /day	71 (25.8)	4 (9.3)	67 (28.9)
> 3 × /day	4 (1.5)	0	4 (1.7)
Stool consistency	275 (100)
Hard	25 (9.1)	21 (48.8)	4 (1.7)
Normal	146 (53.1)	12 (27.9)	134 (57.8)
Soft	65 (23.6)	2 (4.7)	63 (27.2)
Mucous	4 (1.5)	0	4 (1.7)
Liquid	0	0	0
Alternating mucous and liquid	35 (12.7)	8 (18.6)	27 (11.6)
Painful defecation	266 (100)
Yes	45 (16.9)	32 (76.2)	13 (5.8)
No	221 (83)	10 (23.8)	211 (94.2)
Large diameter stool	275 (100)
Yes	35 (12.7)	30 (70)	5 (2.2)
No	240 (87.3)	13 (30.2)	227 (97.8)
Withholding behavior	263 (100)
Never	220 (83.7)	12 (32.4)	208 (92)
1-3 times/month	24 (9.1)	13 (35.1)	11 (4.9)
> 1 time/week	19 (7.2)	12 (32.4)	7 (3.1)
Fecal incontinence	91 (100)
Never	66 (72.5)	11 (50)	55 (79.7)
< 1 time/month	16 (17.6)	5 (22.7)	11 (16.0)
1-3 times/month	8 (8.8)	5 (22.7)	3 (4.4)
> 1 time/week	1 (1.1)	1 (4.6)	0
Stools obstruct the toilet	91 (100)
Yes	3 (3.3)	2 (9.1)	1 (6.5)
No	88 (96.7)	20 (90.9)	68 (98.6)