Epidemiologic profile and prevalence of functional constipation in adult based on the rome iv criteria

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of this condition has been reported in foreign studies in around 10-70%, with only one national report focused in the institutionalized elderly. There are different diagnostic approaches to determine the presence of functional constipation, in our experience, we use the ROME IV diagnostic criteria, which requires the presence of two or more criteria for confirmation. Aim: To determine the prevalence and epidemiologic profile of healthy adults with constipation disorder. Materials and Method: Transversal cohort study between January-March 2018. Inclusion criteria are 18 years and above. We exclude patients with gastrointestinal medical or surgical comorbidities. Data are collected from a face-to-face survey based on the ROME IV criteria, considering demographic features. Descriptive statistics are used to analyze the results. Results: From a total of 1,500 questionnaire surveys, 1,223 are selected. Two or more criteria for functional constipation were present in 68.4%, with significant statistical differences in the female and elderly population. When analyzing each criterion separately, hard stools, straining and sensation of incomplete evacuation were the most common responses. In women, less frequency, hard stools and straining items showed significant statistical differences, whereas sensation of incomplete evacuation was the highlight in the elderly. Manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation was the less selected item. Conclusions: Functional constipation is a frequent condition seen in healthy adults. Older female population are particularly prone to it. Hard stools, straining, and incomplete evacuation sensation were the most common symptoms.