Comparing the Prevalence of Constipation Risk Factors in the Elderly With and Without Constipation in Hazrat-e Rasoul (PBUH) Hospital

Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with constipation among elderly people. Constipation is a common condition affecting elderly people and may lead to complications such as urinary retention and overflow incontinence.
Methods & Materials This case-control study was conducted on 100 consecutive patients, aged 65 years and older (50 with constipation according to ROME III criteria and 50 without constipation) who were referred to the Gastrointestinal Clinic of Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital. For statistical analysis of the data obtained, SPSS (version 16) for Windows was used.
Results The frequencies of using polypharmacy, calcium channel blocker, anticholinergic drugs, also factors such as immobilization, dehydration, low fiber diet, diabetes, hypothyroidism, stroke, malignancy, renal failure, and Parkinson disease were higher in patients with constipation compared to those without this complaint. There was no significant difference in consumption of opium or having depression.
Conclusion By eliminating the risk factors of constipation, we can reduce constipation and the side effects of using laxatives in the elderly.