Straining at stool and stool frequency in free-living and institutionalised older adults.
BACKGROUND
The diagnosis of functional constipation according to Rome II criteria includes assessment of straining. However the prevalence in older adults is unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of straining and its association with stool frequency in free-living (FL) and institutionalised (INS) older adults.


METHODS
50 FL subjects (mean age 74 years, range (65-97), 42% male) and 42 INS subjects (mean age 84 years, range (69-101) 36% male) were recruited. Stool frequency and straining to start and to finish were prospectively recorded by subjects for 7 consecutive days in a bowel habit diary. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square or the Pearson correlation coefficient as appropriate.


RESULTS
The mean stool frequency (n/week) was significantly higher (p <0.001) in the FL group compared with the INS group (11.7 and 4.9 respectively). The percentage of subjects experiencing straining to start on more than 25% of occasions was significantly lower in the FL compared with the INS group (34% and 64% respectively, chi2 = 8.4, p = 0.004, df = 1). The percentage of subjects experiencing straining to finish on more than 25% of occasions was significantly lower in the FL compared with the INS group (16% and 41% respectively, chi2 = 6.9, p = 0.009, df = 1).


CONCLUSIONS
FL subjects had significantly higher stool frequency and had to strain passing a stool (to start and to finish) less often than their INS counterparts. Moreover, straining to start was experienced more often than straining to finish in both groups.
Nutrition Research Centre, South Bank University, London, UK cristinamarfilverchili@yahoo.es
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Marfil
G J
GJ
Davies
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PW
Dettmar
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003248:Constipation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003672:Defecation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires