Organised By
Organised By
Affiliation: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31900, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
Background: Constipation is a gastrointestinal ailment widespread globally associated with infrequent defecation unfavorably affecting quality of life.
Objective: To elucidate the prevalence of constipation and gender differences among a sample of adult in Perak, Malaysia.
Method: A total of 238 subjects were broadly screened via surveys at public events. Subjects were of either gender (44.1% males) aged between 18 and 60 years. The Constipation Scoring System is an 8-item questionnaire with score more than 15 will satisfy the cut-off point for constipation. Stool consistency was also assessed using a seven-scale Bristol stool form chart (Type 1: separate hard lumps; Type 2: lumpy and sausage like; Type 3: a sausage shape with cracks in the surface; Type 4: like a smooth, soft sausage or snake; Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges; Type 6: mushy consistency with ragged edges; Type 7: liquid consistency with non solid pieces).
Results: A total of 29.4% of the subjects (n=70) fell into constipation category based on Constipation Scoring System and Bristol stool form chart type 2. There was a significant association between Constipation Scoring System category (normal versus constipation) with gender [χ2 = 20.707; p<0.001] and Bristol stool form chart category [χ2 = 238.000; p<0.001], respectively. Higher proportion of females (41.4%) fell into constipation category compared to males (14.3%).
Conclusion: The study revealed that gender may play a vital role towards constipation.
Funding disclosure: Eu Yan Sang Sdn Bhd