Prevalence of self-reported constipation in adults from the general population

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported constipation and associated factors in the general population of a Brazilian city. Method: Secondary analysis of an epidemiological study, population-based, cross-sectional study, about bowel habits of Brazilian population. A total of 2,162 individuals were interviewed using two instruments: sociodemographic data and the adapted and validated Brazilian version of the "Bowel Function in the Community" tool. Results: There was a prevalence of 25.2% for the selfreported constipation, 37.2% among women and 10.2% among men. Stroke and old age were associated with constipation in the three statistical models used. Conclusion: The prevalence found showed to be similar to the findings in the literature, although some associated factors obtained here have never been investigated.

The Prevalence and Symptoms Characteristic of Functional Constipation Using Rome III Diagnostic Criteria among Tertiary Education Students

“…This study confirmed that constipation was reported to increase with age, which also accorded with previous observations [5, 9, 43, 49–51]. As individuals aged, they might have difficulty in defecation.…”

Functional Constipation in Health Care Professionals at a University Hospital

“…In defecation disorders, anorectal structural problems such as fissures, fistulas, and hemorrhoids may emerge due to the stress in the rectum (17). In a study, it was determined that hemorrhoids are the most common anal lesions in individuals with constipation (18). In our study, most common anorectal lesions in individuals were hemorrhoids and anal fissures, respectively.…”

Visceral Mobilization and Functional Constipation in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Clinical Trial

“…Previous studies report that the prevalence rate of functional constipation ranges from 2.6% to 30.7% and the condition is more common in females and seniors [3]. In agreement with these data, Schmidt et al conducted an epidemiological study involving the Brazilian population and found a 25.2% rate of functional constipation among the individuals interviewed, with greater occurrences in the female gender and elderly population [3].…”

“…Functional constipation is an intestinal motility disorder that is highly prevalent throughout the world [1]. According to the Rome III Consensus, this condition is defined by two or more of the following criteria in a six-month period: fewer than three bowel movements per week, straining during defecation, hardened or fragmented stools, sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage and the use of manual maneuvers to facilitate bowel movement [2,3].…”

“…Diseases that affect the central nervous system play an important role in the development of functional constipation, among which cerebrovascular accident (stroke) seems to have the strongest association with this condition [3]. Indeed, intestinal symptoms are very common in stroke survivors.…”