Bowel function and its associated variables in Saudi adults. A population based study.
OBJECTIVE
To study bowel patterns (function/habits) and its associated variables in an adult Saudi population.


METHODS
In a cross sectional study, a 21-item questionnaire on bowel function (habits and frequency) was distributed to 10,000 high school students from all 5 regions of Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, between February and April 2011.  The randomly selected students, and 2 of their household or family members completed the questionnaire. Socio-demographic characteristics, eating habits, chronic diseases, and medications used were studied.


RESULTS
Sixty-one percent (N=4918) were above the age of 16 years, of which 51.5% were males, and 88.1% were Saudis. It was observed that 18.1% of respondents perceived their bowel movements as being irregular and abnormal. There was no association between gender and abnormal/irregular bowel movement (OR: 0.89; p=0.13). Individuals over 60 years suffered from bowel pattern abnormalities (OR=1.8; p=0.01). Educational status (secondary), occupation (teacher and unemployed), diet habits, and chronic diseases of study subjects were also statistically significantly associated with their bowel movements. Respondents consuming more vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy products, and rice had significantly more normal bowel movements. Females tended to defecate less frequently as compared with males (p<0.0001).  Approximately 40% of both genders have bowel movements at least once a day.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results may serve as a baseline for appropriate intervention strategies, and also for future studies to substantiate, negate, or add more observations/conclusions.
Colorectal Research Center, General Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. azubaidi@ksu.edu.sa
Ahmad M
AM
Zubaidi
Nouf H
NH
Al-Saud
Xena A
XA
Al-Qahtani
Shaffi A
SA
Shaik
Maha H
MH
Abdulla
Khayal A
KA
Al-Khayal
Omar A
OA
Al-Obeed
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D003248:Constipation / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014675:Vegetables