The Assessment Prevalence of Functional Constipation and Associated Factors in Adults: A Community-based Study from Kerman, Southeast, Iran (2011-2012)

Abstract

Background :

Chronic constipation is a common problem worldwide that negatively impacts quality of life. Because of the effects of psychological and cultural factors on the function of the bowel tract and the vast variety of ethnicities and diet among the Iranian people, the present study describes the occurrence of constipation and its associated factors in Kerman, the largest city in Southeast Iran.

Materials and Methods :

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kerman, Iran from 2011 to 2012 that included 2191 adults who were randomly selected and interviewed face to face using a validated questionnaire based on Rome III criteria. Demographics, cigarette smoking, opium dependence, amount of fiber consumption, physical activity and psychological factors were assessed. Inclusion criteria was ages 15 to 85 years old. Exclusion criteria was the presence of any metabolic and/or neuro-muscular disease that caused constipation. All data were analyzed with Stata11 software, with a confidence interval of 95%. A p-value of ≤0.05 was chosen for statistical significance.

Results :

Particiants had a mean age of 44.9 ± 16.2 years. There were 57.42% female participants. The prevalance of chronic constipation was estimated at 9.4% (7.7%-10.6%). Constipation was more prevalent in females, older individuals, those with decreased physical activity, people who were anxious and depressed, and opium addicted individuals (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of cigarette smoking and amount of dietary fiber between constipated and non-constipated individuals (p>0.2).

Conclusion :

Although the prevalance of constipation in Iran is estimated to be lower than Western countries, new changes in life style can cause an increase in the burden of constipation in the future.