Abstract

NAVARRO RUIZ, M.ª Soledad et al. Frequency of constipation in primary care patients. Rev Clin Med Fam [online]. 2015, vol.8, n.1, pp.4-10. ISSN 2386-8201.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1699-695X2015000100002.

Objective: To determine how often patients attending family physician's consultation for whatever reason present constipation, and to verify its association with sociodemographic characteristics, existence of previously diagnosed digestive diseases and drug consumption. Study design: Prevalence study and crossed association. Setting: Primary health care. Participants: A sample of 473 patients selected by systematic sampling in four family medicine consultations. Measurements: Presence of symptoms of constipation assessed by the GSRS scale (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale). Other variables: previous diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract diseases, medication use, frequency of attendance, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: 32,0 % of the patients (IC 95 %: 27,5 - 36,5) stated the presence of symptoms of constipation with moderate or strong intensity: decrease in the frequency of the number of bowel movements, increase in the consistency of the faeces, or sensation of incomplete evacuation. The symptoms were more frequent in women (37,3 % vs. 24,0 %; p = 0,004) and in consumers of medication for diseases of the digestive system (47,7 % vs. 23,8 %; p <0,001). A linear statistically significant trend was observed (p <0,001), between the presence of constipation and the total number of drugs used by the patients. Conclusions: The frequency of symptoms of constipation is high in Primary health care patients, especially in females. A linear relationship between the frequency of these symptoms and drug consumption is observed, whereby constipation should be regarded as a common potential side effect in patients with polypharmacy.

Keywords : Constipation; Primary Health Care; Signs and Symptoms; Digestive.

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