CHSU Discovery

Acknowledgments: We would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Wang and his clinic for their contribution to this study, with special thanks to Yichun Tao for help with data collection. We would also like to express our gratitude towards Dr. Merino, Dr. Perryment, and Dr. Nijjer-Sidhu for their guidance over the study.  

Background: Constipation—characterized by infrequent, difficult bowel movements that may be accompanied by fecal incontinence and intentional stool withholding—differs from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which includes a broader range of symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel patterns. Existing literature supports a familial connection in gastrointestinal conditions, where caregiver symptoms may parallel those in their children. 

Aim: This study investigates non-genetic factors that may influence the relationship between caregiver IBS and pediatric constipation within the patient population at the Valley Gastroenterology Institute in Fresno, California, with a particular focus on how social determinants of health may contribute to this association. 

Methods: To assess the prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) among caregivers of pediatric patients with constipation at the Valley Gastroenterology Institute, we distributed a survey with the following criteria: respondents must be 1) the primary caregiver and 2) older than 18 years old. Demographic data collected included age, gender, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and insurance type. An IBS Severity Score (IBSSS) was generated from the survey responses. The survey was made available in English, Spanish, Punjabi and Hmong to accommodate the local population.  Data was analyzed by comparing four caregiver-child groups based on IBS and constipation status, as follows: 

Group A: Caregivers with IBS whose children have constipation  

Group B: Caregivers without IBS whose children have constipation  

Group C: Caregivers with IBS whose children do not have constipation  

Group D: Caregivers without IBS and children without constipation