Abstract

Author(s): Silva, Mariana de Sousa1; Sabino Pinho, Cláudia Porto2

Introduction: Intestinal constipation is a multifactor gastrointestinal disorder that affects many individuals. Few studies have described the prevalence considering most current criteria.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors with intestinal constipation in hospital outpatients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013, including 110 outpatients ≥20 years of age from university hospital in brazilian Northeast. It was evaluated the prevalence of intestinal constipation diagnosed by the Rome III criteria and through self-assessment. Socioeconomic and demographic, behavioral, anthropometric and clinical characteristics were studied.

Results: Prevalence of intestinal constipation was 50% according by the Rome III criteria and 40% according by self-assessment with a good agreement between them (Kappa=0.76). Higher prevalence of constipation were observed in female gender (p=0.047) and in subjects with abdominal obesity (p=0.045). A higher score of refined carbohydrates consumption was observed in patients with constipation (p=0.018).

Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic constipation was high and associated with female gender, abdominal obesity and consumption of refined carbohydrates. Multiple factors traditionally considered at risk for constipation were not associated with this condition.