A multinational survey of prevalence and patterns of laxative use among adults with self-defined constipation.
BACKGROUND
While numerous studies report prevalence of constipation, use of laxatives is poorly understood.


OBJECTIVE
To conduct a survey in seven countries evaluating prevalence of constipation and laxative use in its treatment.


METHODS
Thirteen thousand eight hundred seventy-nine adults [approximately 2000 each from US, UK, Germany (GE), France (FR), Italy (IT), Brazil (BR) and South Korea (SK)] completed questionnaires assessing occurrence, frequency, duration and laxative use for treating constipation.


RESULTS
Overall, 12.3% of adults had constipation [range: 5% (GE) to 18% (US)] in the prior year. A greater percent of women from all countries and elderly from all except SK and BR reported constipation; odds ratios for constipation among women and elderly were 2.43 (95% CI: 2.18-2.71) and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.25-1.73) vs. men and young subjects. Among those with constipation, 16% (SK) to 40% (US) used laxatives. Laxative use was generally associated with increasing age, symptom frequency and lower income and education. A similar percentage of men and women with constipation reported using laxatives; a greater percentage of women used laxatives for a longer time.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of self-defined constipation and laxative use varies among countries. Prevalence is generally related to gender and age, whereas laxative use is related to age, but not to gender.
Wald
A
A
Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
Scarpignato
C
C
Mueller-Lissner
S
S
Kamm
M A
MA
Hinkel
U
U
Helfrich
I
I
Schuijt
C
C
Mandel
K G
KG
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D054368:Laxatives / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012646:Self Administration; D012737:Sex Factors
D054368:Laxatives