Correction for: The effects of psyllium husk on gut microbiota composition and function in chronically constipated women of reproductive age using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis

Abstract

Chronic constipation is one of the most common symptoms worldwide; it can occur by itself or can be secondary to other medical conditions [1]. The main characteristics of chronic constipation are difficult passage of stool, reduced frequency of bowel movements (BMs), and a feeling of incomplete defecation. Most previous studies have shown that the prevalence of constipation is 12–19% in adults living in North America [2, 3], whereas this prevalence is 26% in women and 16% in men over the age of 65 [4, 5]. In addition, among people aged ≥84 years, the prevalence of constipation is 34% in women and 26% in men [6–8]. Especially during late pregnancy, the risk of constipation is higher due to reduced intestinal movement, significant hormonal changes, and delayed bowel emptying [9, 10]. However, most of the current research on constipation has focused on all adults, and has only rarely focused specifically on women of reproductive age (women of childbearing ability between the ages of 18 and 49 years) alone. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the impact of constipation in such women.