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Risk factors for constipation among elderly attending family health center in Damietta District, Damietta Governorate, Egypt

Background Approximately one-third of adults 60 years or older report at least occasional constipation, and in nursing home residents, the prevalence is 50% or more. It accounts for ~2.5 million physician office visits yearly. Aim The aim of the present work was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of constipation among the studied elderly population. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 258 elderly population (>60 years old) attending the Hai Tany Family Health Center, Damietta Governorate, from 1 November 2015 to 1 January 2016. A predesigned questionnaire was used to assess the presence of constipation and its risk factors. It included four parts: sociodemographic characteristics, Bristol scale and ROME III diagnostic criteria for constipation, mini-mental status examination (to assess cognitive function), and mini-nutritional assessment scale (to assess nutritional status). Results The results of this study revealed that 64/258 of the studied population had primary (functional) constipation. Constipation was more significant in patients older than 75 years (P < 0.001). The most important risk factors associated with constipation in the studied group were advanced age, nutritional impairment, and cognitive impairment. Conclusion This study concluded that about one-fourth of the studied population had (functional) constipation. The most important risk factors associated with constipation in elderly population were advanced age, nutritional impairment, and cognitive impairment. Therefore, the study recommends prevention and treatment of constipation through nutritional education and screening for cognitive impairment in elderly.