Coping strategies, illness perception, anxiety and depression of patients with idiopathic constipation: a population-based study.
BACKGROUND
Functional constipation has important psychological elements.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of functional constipation in an Asian population, and the interplay among functional constipation, anxiety/depression, perception and coping strategies.


METHODS
An interview of 3282 patients was made by telephone survey. Constipation was diagnosed by Rome II criteria. Coping ability and anxiety/depression were assessed by validated questionnaires.


RESULTS
Fourteen percent of the interviewees had constipation. Anxiety and depression scores were higher in constipated than in healthy subjects (P < 0.0001 and < 0.0001), and in female than male patients (P = 0.02 and < 0.0001). Patients who were aware of their symptoms perceived greater impact on their lives (P < 0.001). Frequent use of coping strategies associated with lower anxiety scores (P < 0.0001). Female were more frequently aware of the symptoms (P = 0.004), less frequently used coping strategies (P = 0.008). Regression analysis showed that female and high anxiety level were the independent factors for predicting the perception of constipation, whereas anxiety was the only independent factor for predicting the use of coping strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
Constipation associated with anxiety and depression is prevalent in the general Asian population. Female sex and anxiety are important aetiological factors in constipation, affecting perception and the use of coping strategies.
Cheng
C
C
Division of Social Science, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong.
Chan
A O O
AO
Hui
W M
WM
Lam
S K
SK
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology*; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D003248:Constipation / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010465:Perception; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis