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- Title
Constipation in an Elderly Community: A Study of Prevalence and Potential Risk Factors.
- Authors
Talley, Nicholas J.; Fleming, Kevin C.; Evans, Jonathan; Weaver, Amy L.; Zinsmeister, Alan R.; Melton III, L. Joseph; O'Keefe, Elizabeth A.
- Abstract
Objective: The epidemiology of chronic constipation in the elderly remains poorly defined. We aimed to study the prevalence of, and potential risk factors for, constipation in a representative elderly community, using symptom-based diagnostic criteria. Methods: An age- and gender-stratified random sample of 1833 eligible residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, aged 65 yr and over, was mailed a valid self-report questionnaire; 1375 responded (75%). Results The overall age- and gender-adjusted prevalence (per 100) of any constipation was 40.1 (95% CI 38.9, 44.4); for functional constipation and outlet difficulty or delay, the prevalence rates were 24.4 (95% CI 22.0-26.9) and 20.5 (95% CI 18.2-22.8), respectively. Self-reported constipation did not reliably identify functional constipation or outlet delay. Outlet delay, but not functional constipation, was more frequent in women; functional constipation, but not outlet delay, was associated with advancing age. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications were significant risk factors in subjects with functional constipation and outlet delay combined. Conclusions: In independently living, elderly persons, constipation is a common complaint; among these subjects, there appear to be symptom subgroups that can be identified.
- Publication
American Journal of Gastroenterology (Springer Nature), 1996, Vol 91, Issue 1, p19
- ISSN
0002-9270
- Publication type
Academic Journal