Prevalence, symptoms, and associated factors of chronic constipation among older adults in North-East of Peninsular Malaysia

• Main Authors: Abdul Wahab, Patimah, Mohd Yusoff, Dariah, Abdul Kadir, Azidah, Ali, Siti Hawa, Lee, Yeong Yeh
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English
• Published: SAGE 2021
• Subjects: R Medicine (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/91416/8/91416_Prevalence%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20associated%20factors%20of%20chronic%20constipation.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/91416/9/91416_Prevalence%2C%20symptoms%2C%20and%20associated%20factors%20of%20chronic%20constipation_Scopus.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/91416/; https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10547738211033934

This study aimed to determine the prevalence, symptoms, and associated factors of chronic constipation among older adults in the North-East of Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among older patients from four health clinics. A total of 400 older patients participated, with a mean age of 68.7 (SD = 6.4) years. The prevalence of chronic constipation was 14.8%. The highest symptom reported was the inability to pass stool (98.3%). Chronic constipation was significantly associated with older age (OR = 2.97; 95% CI [1.17, 7.54]; p = .022), inadequate plain water intake per day (OR = 2.13; 95% CI [1.13, 4.02]; p = .020), hypertension (OR = 2.22; 95% CI [1.07, 4.61]; p = .033), and hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.52; 95% CI [1.24, 5.11]; p = .010). Identification of chronic constipation should be done as part of routine clinic visits, especially for older patients with cardiovascular disease.