Abstract

Parents frequently consult pediatric gastroenterology clinics seeking guidance for the management of childhood constipation. However, providing comprehensive education during outpatient visits can be challenging due to time constraints and high patient volume. This study aimed to assess the impact of written educational materials on parental knowledge regarding childhood constipation. This single-center, pre-test/post-test study was conducted in a pediatric gastroenterology clinic between May 2025 and August 2025. Parents of children diagnosed with functional constipation completed a self-administered questionnaire immediately before and immediately after reading a written educational material. The questionnaire, developed based on established guidelines and relevant literature, assessed knowledge related to symptoms, etiological factors, and management of childhood constipation. A total of 61 parents were included in the analysis. Following exposure to the educational material, parental knowledge improved across several clinically relevant domains. Increased awareness was observed in the recognition of key diagnostic features, common etiological factors, and treatment principles, including correct toilet posture, recommended treatment duration, and the non-addictive nature of constipation medications. These improvements suggest that written educational materials can meaningfully enhance short-term parental understanding of childhood constipation. Written educational materials appear to be a useful tool for improving parental knowledge and facilitating access to accurate information about childhood constipation in outpatient settings. Such materials may serve as a practical adjunct to routine clinical counseling, particularly in time-limited healthcare environments.

Key words: Childhood constipation, parents, parental education