Prevalence and Associated Factors of Chronic Constipation Among Adults in Penang

• Main Authors: Abdul Wahab, Patimah, Shafei, Insyirah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: R Medicine (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/94132/1/IRD%20book%202021_Final.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/94132/2/List%20of%20winners%20%E2%80%93%20IIUM%20Research%20Day.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/94132/13/Prevalence%20and%20Associated%20Factors%20of%20Chornic%20Constipation%20among%20Adults%20in%20Penang_30102021.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/94132/

Background: Chronic constipation is a common digestive problem that affects people of all age groups over the world. It has a substantial impact on the patient’s quality of life (QoL) and consumption of healthcare resources. Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence and associated factors of chronic constipation among adults in Penang, Malaysia. Methodology: An online survey using convenience sampling was conducted among adults aged 18 years old and above in Penang from October to December 2020. The questionnaire composed of items on the socio-demographic data, health status, assessment of chronic constipation, physical activity, dietary fiber intake, fluid intake, and smoking status. Chronic constipation was determined based on the Rome criteria. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 22.0. Chi-square test was used to analyse the associated factors of chronic constipation with the p-value of <0.05 was determined as the significant level findings. Results: A total of 220 participants were included in the study. Their age ranged from 18 to 65 years old with the mean age was 31.5 (SD = 13.1). The prevalence of chronic constipation among adults in Penang was 6.4%. Factors of gender (p-value = 0.042), fluid intake (p-value = 0.008) and dietary fibre intake (p-value = 0.017) were significantly associated with chronic constipation. Conclusion: Chronic constipation was common in our study associated mainly with fluid and dietary intakes. There is a need for the health care providers to highlight on the dietary modification in prevention and management of chronic constipation among the adult people.