Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.  2020 Nov;23(6):567-576. 10.5223/pghn.2020.23.6.567.

Lifestyle Habits Associated with Poor Defecation Habit among Pupils in Japan

• Kohyama J

• KMID: 2508529
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2020.23.6.567

Abstract

Purpose
Not enough attention has been paid to defecation habits in Japan. This study aimed to emphasize the importance of defecation habits on health and function in Japanese pupils.
Methods
Using multiple regression analysis, 2,722 questionnaires obtained from pupils in grades 5 to 12 were analyzed to determine lifestyle habits associated with defecation frequency.
Results
Significant regression formulae for defecation scores were obtained for all school types: elementary school (ES) (adjusted R² =0.08, p<0.001), junior high school (JHS) (0.09, p<0.001), and senior high school (SHS) (0.15, p<0.001). The following factors were associated with poorer defecation scores, according to school type: female gender (all 3 school types), breakfast skipping (elementary and JHSs), lower physical activity (JHSs and SHSs), and longer school-day screen time (elementary and SHSs). In addition, poorer selfreported academic performance scores in ES, less standardized body mass index (BMI) in JHS, and shorter non-school- day screen time scores in SHS, were associated with poorer defecation scores.
Conclusion
Poor defecation frequency showed significant associations with various lifestyle habits, such as breakfast skipping, physical activity, and screen time, among pupils. Academic performance and standardized BMI were also associated with defecation frequency. More attention should be paid to defecation frequency to sustain health and function in pupils.

Keyword

Academic performance; Body mass index; Brain-gut axis; Breakfast; Exercise; Screen time