Frequency of functional constipation in 3 different populations and its causative factors.

OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency of constipation and its causative factors in 3 different populations, namely, the hospitalized patients admitted at Civil Hospital Karachi, their attendants and medical students. METHOD A sample size of 200 was divided into 3 groups: hospitalized patients, their attendants and medical students. Frequency of constipation was expected to be greater in patients, so 100 subjects were taken from this population; while from the other 2 populations only 50 subjects were taken. The subjects were diagnosed as constipated on the basis of Rome III criteria for functional constipation and their dietary habits and physical activity were also assessed. RESULTS The frequency of functional constipation was found to be 53% in hospitalized patients, 52% in their attendants and 34% in medical students. Among the constipated individuals, 50.94% of hospitalized patients, 46.15% of attendants and 29.41% of medical students took laxatives for relief of their symptoms. Constipation was most prevalent among the age group of 18 to 30 years in all the 3 populations. CONCLUSION Constipation was fairly common in all 3 populations. Male to female ratio is almost equal. Physical inactivity and low fiber intake were prominent risk factors for constipation.