Prevalência da constipação funcional e sua associação com o consumo de ultraprocessados em crianças com transtorno do espectro do autismo

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder. It presents stereotyped eating behavior, restricted/selective consumption, lower consumption of fruits and vegetables, and preference for ultra-processed foods (UPFs) which can impact the worsening of functional constipation (FC). Objective: To assess FC and its association with the consumption of UPF foods in children with ASD. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study with an analytical and quantitative approach. It was carried out with children aged 3 to 9 diagnosed with ASD, who were treated at a Specialized Rehabilitation Centre and Equine Therapy Centre in the municipality of Lagarto, Sergipe. Nutritional status was assessed using the variables Body Mass Index by age and height by age expressed in Z scores, according to the cut-off points set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The analysis used WHO Anthro software version 3.2.2 and WHO Anthro Plus version 1.0.4. To assess food consumption, data was collected from two non-consecutive 24-hour food records, and analyzed according to the degree of processing, the NOVA food classification, and water intake. The Rome IV criteria were used to analyze functional constipation, and the diagnosis was established by the presence of at least two criteria. Multiple logistic regression was applied to assess the association of independent variables as determinants of FC. Results: The study included 118 children diagnosed with ASD. There was a prevalence of males (76.3%), and the classification of eutrophic (78.0%). The findings show a higher consumption of UPF among children with CF compared to those without CF (p = 0.032). Multiple logistic regression analysis determined that UPF consumption was associated with CF in children with ASD (OR = 1.035, 95% CI: 1.007-1.065; p = 0.016). On the other hand, processed food intake exhibited a significant protective effect against FC (OR=0.916, 95% CI: 0.864-0.971; p=0.003). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate a 53.4% prevalence of CF, associated with a 1.04 greater chance of consuming UPF in children with ASD.