Factors associated with constipation in older patients at National Geriatric Hospital

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 321 patients aged 60 years old or over at National Geriatric Hospital to evaluate the association between some factors and constipation in older people from July to October 2020. Data were collected by using a designed questionnaire included: general information, fluid intake, Rome IV criteria, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADLs) and Activities of Daily Living scale (ADLs). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess association between constipation and related factors. The mean of age was 71.6 ± 8.2 (year). 58.3% of participants had normal BMI. Water intake and physical function were signifcantly associated with constipation (p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression between constipation and related factor showed that water intake > 1500ml and independent instrumental activities of daily livings were signifcantly associated with decreased constipation risk (OR = 0.361; 95% CI: 0.148 - 0.882 and OR = 0.832; 95%CI: 0.703 - 0.985, respectively). To prevent constipation, it is important to encourage older patients to drinking enough at least 1500ml water per day and do regular physical activity