Brian E Lacy, Régis Delfini, Bernward Fladung, Robert Lange
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Constipation is characterized by symptoms of straining, hard stool, difficult evacuation, and infrequent bowel movements. Online surveys provide valuable information about patients' perspectives, symptoms, management, treatment satisfaction, and risk factors.
Methods: This survey explored subject experiences involving 20 gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. In total, 20,099 respondents in seven countries with varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds participated. Post hoc analysis of 'self-reported constipation' and related symptoms experienced within the past 6 months and the last episode of constipation provided data on prevalence, demographics, frequency and duration of episodes and related symptoms, impact on quality of life (QoL), management with or without laxatives, and resulting treatment satisfaction.
Results: In total, 10,425 subjects reported constipation within 6 months and 2637 at the last episode. Prevalence was highest in females and younger adults. Most subjects reported various coexisting GI symptoms. Almost 80% of 6865 episodes reported by 5337 subjects occurred every 2-3 months to every 2-3 weeks. A higher frequency of constipation correlated with a greater impact on QoL. On a 10-point scale, the mean impact was 6.4. More than 90% of respondents had episodes ranging from 1 day to 1 week. More than 90% took action; 16% used laxatives, of whom 80.3% were satisfied.
Conclusion: Constipation, a highly prevalent disorder, spans cultures and socioeconomic classes. Its chronic recurrence has a significant impact on QoL, resulting in symptom self-management in >90% of subjects. Significantly higher satisfaction rates in subjects treated with than without laxatives reflect subjects' reports that self-reported constipation can be treated effectively with laxatives.
期刊介绍:
Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology is an open access journal which delivers the highest quality peer-reviewed original research articles, reviews, and scholarly comment on pioneering efforts and innovative studies in the medical treatment of gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders. The journal has a strong clinical and pharmacological focus and is aimed at an international audience of clinicians and researchers in gastroenterology and related disciplines, providing an online forum for rapid dissemination of recent research and perspectives in this area.
The editors welcome original research articles across all areas of gastroenterology and hepatology.
The journal publishes original research articles and review articles primarily. Original research manuscripts may include laboratory, animal or human/clinical studies – all phases. Letters to the Editor and Case Reports will also be considered.