Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Fecal Incontinence

Abstract

Background/AimsMost previous epidemiologic studies about fecal incontinence were performed in specific populations in Korea. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictive factors of fecal incontinence in adult Korean population, both men and women aged 20 years and over.MethodsSubjects who had undergone medical check-up for health screening were enrolled. They completed the structured questionnaires, including demographics, gastrointestinal symptoms, medical and social histories, and also about their bowel habits. Logistic regression models were constructed to identify the predictive factors for having fecal incontinence.ResultsAmong the total of 1,149 subjects (mean age, 44.8 ± 10.2 years; 648 males), the overall prevalence of fecal incontinence was 6.4%, while the older group (> 50 years old) showed the higher prevalence than the younger group (≤ 50 years old) (10.4% vs 4.9%, P = 0.001) without gender difference. Most patients had mild fecal incontinence in 78.4%. By multivariate analysis, old ages (Odd ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-5.2; P < 0.001), watery stool (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5-4.9; P = 0.001) and functional diarrhea (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.4; P = 0.004) were found to be independent predictors for fecal incontinence.ConclusionsThe prevalence of fecal incontinence in Korean adults was 6.4%, and it was significantly more prevalent in older people without any gender difference. Aging and diarrhea were independent predictive factors of fecal incontinence. Therefore, proper control of the bowel pattern would lead to the prevention of fecal incontinence.

Functional Evaluation of Obese Patients with Symptoms of Fecal Incontinence Using Anorectal Electromanometry

“…Though affecting mostly elderly women, the prevalence of FI in the general population is highly variable, with reports ranging from 0.4% to 18% [2][3][4][5]. The actual prevalence is likely higher than this since many cases remain unreported due to embarrassment.…”

“…FI affects both genders but is more prevalent among women, especially the elderly [1]. The overall prevalence is 0.4-18% [2][3][4][5], but the condition is often unreported due to embarrassment, despite significant loss of quality of life [5,6].…”

“…The evaluation of patients with FI starts with a thorough clinical anamnesis and physical examination. In addition, a range of anorectal diagnostic techniques are available, chief among which are anorectal electromanometry (ARM) and anorectal ultrasonography (AUS) [4]. The former is used to evaluate sphincter function [7] the latter to evaluate the anatomy [5].…”

Stellenwert der konservativen Therapie bei Stuhlinkontinenz

“…Eine aktuelle Studie zeigt eindrück-lich, dass die Prävalenz eines Reizdarmsyndroms bei Patienten mit Stuhlinkontinenz hoch ist und fast die Hälfte der Patienten (44%) mit einer Stuhlinkontinenz auch unter Symptomen eines Reizdarmsyndroms leiden [9]. All diese dargestellten Zusammenhänge unterstreichen die häufig formulierte These, primär eine konservative Therapie bei der Stuhlinkontinenz einzuleiten [10].…”

Prevalence of faecal incontinence in community-dwelling older people in Bali, Indonesia

“…In 2010, there were around 18 million older people aged 60 years and above [1]. The prevalence rate of faecal incontinence is relatively higher among older population compared with other age groups [2].…”