Living with constipation--older people's experiences and strategies with constipation before and during hospitalization.
BACKGROUND
Constipation is a common problem among older people. This study aimed to explore how older patients experience constipation and which strategies they used in handling the condition before and during hospitalization.


METHODS
A qualitative exploratory research design was used. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients (61-91 years of age) during hospitalization. Data were analyzed by using content analysis.


RESULTS
Themes concerning experiences were Bodily signs and symptoms of constipation; the participants described severe pain during constipation, as well as pronounced relief after bowel movements, Impact on well-being and social activities; being constipated negatively impacted their mood and limited social activities, Striving for bowel balance; the participants experienced an ongoing strive for balancing between constipation and diarrhea. Themes related to strategies were Struggling to find a solution; they were aware of different strategies to prevent and treat constipation, though the most common solution described was the use of laxatives, Wait and see; the participants were awaiting to take action until they experienced constipation symptoms, Constipation is a private problem being challenged during hospitalization; constipation was considered a private issue rarely discussed with health-care professionals.


CONCLUSIONS
This study illuminates the need for health-care professionals to be attentive to this issue and initiate the conversation with patients in order to advise on the management of constipation.
Institute of Nursing, Metropolitan University College, Copenhagen N, Denmark; lemu@phmetropol.dk.
Lene
L
Munch
Institute of Nursing, Metropolitan University College, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
Nina
N
Tvistholm
Pulmonary Department, Gentofte University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark.
Ingelise
I
Trosborg
Research Unit, Gentofte University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark.
Hanne
H
Konradsen
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D003248:Constipation / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D054368:Laxatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research
D054368:Laxatives
Constipation; elderly people; health-care professionals; interviews; lived experience; patient perspective; qualitative research.; strategies