Effect of Nursing Intervention on Severity of Constipation among Elderly People at Sohag Geriatric Club, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Constipation is a common digestive problem in elderly people. Study Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of nursing intervention on the severity of constipation among elderly people at Sohag geriatric club. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at Sohag geriatric club. Subjects: The study sample consisted of elderly participants were 244 (male & female) was selected by convenient sample; the nursing intervention was applied on all elders who had constipation (84) after assessment phase. Tools of data collection: two proper tools were used, tool (I): consisted of two parts A) socio-demographic characteristics of older adults e.g. age, sex, education level, part (2): medical and nutritional history. Tool (II): Constipation assessment scale to measure constipation severity. Results: about one third (34.4%) of elderly were having constipation, also the study revealed that, there was highly statistical significant improvement in severity of constipation before and after application the nursing intervention. Conclusion: The study concluded that nursing intervention effective to decrease severity of constipation among elderly with constipation. Recommendation Application of nursing intervention to manage and decrease the severity of constipation among elderly people and importance of implementing periodic health education program for gerontological nurses, other health care providers and caregivers about management and prevention of constipation among elderly people.