DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENCE OF CONSTIPATION IN CHILDREN POST-CHEMOTHERAPY AT THE SERUNI POLYCLINIC ROOM, ARIFIN ACHMAD REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL, RIAU PROVINCE

Abstrak

Constipation is a frequent side effect experienced by children following chemotherapy. This condition arises from changes in bowel motility, the use of various medications, and alterations in diet and physical activity, all of which can lead to discomfort and negatively impact the child's quality of life. This quantitative descriptive study was conducted to determine the prevalence of constipation in children post-chemotherapy at the Seruni Polyclinic, Arifin Achmad Regional General Hospital, Riau Province. The study took place from September 2024 to February 2025. The study population included all pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at the clinic, with 57 respondents selected using an Accidental Sampling technique. Constipation was measured using the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS). The results showed that most respondents (64.9%) were aged 6–12 years, the majority were female (61.4%), and 47.4% had an elementary school education background. The most common cancer diagnosis was Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), found in 38.6% of the respondents. The main finding of the study was that 41 respondents (71.9%) experienced mild constipation. In conclusion, the majority of children post-chemotherapy in this setting suffer from constipation, primarily at a mild level. The study suggests that factors such as age, gender, education level, and the type of cancer are associated with the incidence of constipation.

Future researchers are advised to further investigate other potential contributing factors, such as dietary patterns, hydration status, and specific side effects of chemotherapy drugs, to develop more effective interventions for both the prevention and treatment of constipation.