Introduction:

Constipation has a prevalence of 14-30% in Spain, its cause is multifactorial and negatively affects people’s well-being and quality of life. Treatments for functional constipation include osmotic laxatives such as Macrogol 4000. The degree of satisfaction with laxatives is proportional to the perceived effectiveness and improvement in quality of life.

Method:

a survey was conducted in Spanish pharmacies among 100 consumers who purchased Macrogol 4000 as a medical device, in order to treat the symptoms of constipation. Changes in quality of life and subjective perception of effectiveness were measured after 4, 8 and 14 days of treatment using CATI methodology, based on telephone surveys.

Results:

After 14 days of consumption, a significant reduction (p<0.05) in physical and psychosocial discomfort was observed. Responses on the effectiveness perception questionnaires improved after day 8. The number of responses expressing agreement with subjective perceptions of relief from constipation (81%-97%), of well-being (90%-96%) and of improved physical sensations (77%-97%) increased. At the end of the study, 95% of participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the chosen treatment.

Conclusions:

The use of Macrogol 4000 for 14 days improves physical and psychosocial discomfort at the same time as there is an increase in the perception of its effectiveness in individuals with functional constipation.

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