title: Psychological impact and risk factors associated with new onset fecal incontinence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aim to evaluate the psychological impact and risk factors associated with new onset FI over 12 years in adults over 18 years for the first time in a population-based study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (n = 1775) were a random population sample from Penrith, Australia who responded to a survey in 1997 and completed a 12-year follow-up survey (response rate = 60%). FI was defined as having leakage of stool over the past 12 months. The original and follow-up surveys contained valid questions on demographic, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  114 (11.4%) reported new onset FI at the 12 year follow-up. People who reported FI at the 12 year follow-up were significantly more anxious and depressed. In terms of baseline risk factors only bloating (OR = 1.3; 95%CI 1.0-1.6, P = 0.026) was an independent predictor of developing new onset FI. However, current bowel symptoms measured at follow-up including less likelihood of <3 bowel motions a week, increased urgency and mucus were independently associated with having FI at follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FI is associated with anxiety and depression. Baseline GI symptoms do not appear to be as important as current bowel symptoms in determining who develops FI.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia. Natasha.Koloski@newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Koloski
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kalantar
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weltman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zaguirre
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Talley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D003625:Data Collection; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors