Constipation in the elderly living at home. Definition, prevalence, and relationship to lifestyle and health status.

摘要: The prevalence of self-reported constipation and the factors which contribute to it were investigated in a door-to-door survey 209 people aged 65 93. Thirty percent men 29% women described themselves as constipated at least once month. However, elderly define differently than do their physicians: only 3% 2% community sample reported that average stool frequency was less three per week, customary medical criterion for constipation. primary symptom used having strain order defecate. Multiple found influence self-reports amount liquids consumed significantly related longest period without bowel movement men, but fiber not either sex. number chronic illnesses nonlaxative medications psychological symptoms correlated with both women. Age or over age 65.