A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics aimed to assess treatment adherence in children with functional constipation, and to evaluate the association with parental beliefs about medication, illness perceptions, treatment satisfaction, and satisfaction with information about medication.

This was a cross-sectional survey which involved parents of children with functional constipation treated with polyethylene glycol. Adherence to treatment was measured through the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5); scores ≥23 were defined as adherent. Associations between the questionnaire scores and adherence (MARS-5 score as a continuous variable) were analyzed.

The findings revealed that 37% of these children were adherent. Statistically significant correlations were elicited between Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM), TSQM-satisfaction, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire question 8 (emotions), and the MARS-5 score. The results indicated that parental perceived treatment convenience, satisfaction with treatment, and illness perceptions may affect adherence in children with functional constipation.

Hence, it was inferred that parents’ treatment inconvenience, dissatisfaction with treatment, and the emotional impact of functional constipation may negatively impact treatment adherence in children.