Stool Patterns of Malaysian Adults with Functional Constipation: Association with Diet and Physical Activity
- Author:
Mazlyn Mena M
;
Nagarajah Lee HL
;
Fatimah A
;
Norimah AK
;
Goh KL
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Constipation, stool, diet, physical activity, dietary fibre
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2013;19(1):53-64
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Diet and lifestyle modification is commonly used in constipation
management. As there is a dearth of studies on this topic in Malaysia, we aim to
elucidate the relations between stool patterns, dietary intake and physical activity
levels among adults with functional constipation. Methods: From a database
collected via surveys at public events, a convenience sample of 100 adults
diagnosed with Rome II-defined functional constipation was enrolled in this
cross-sectional study. After severity assessment using the Chinese Constipation
Questionnaire, subjects completed 2-week bowel movement diaries to determine
stool frequency, consistency and output. Dietary intake and physical activity
levels were assessed twice using three-day 24-hour diet recalls and International
Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. Ninety subjects who completed
the study were included in the analysis. Results: Mean weekly stool frequency
was 3.9±1.9 times, consistency score was 2.6±0.6 (range 1.0-4.0), output was
11.0±6.3 balls (40 mm diameter) and severity score was 10.3±3.3 (range 5.0-22.0).
Mean daily dietary intakes were: energy 1,719±427kcal, dietary fibre 15.0±4.9g
and fluid 2.5±0.8L. The majority of subjects were physically inactive. Stool
frequency and output were positively associated with dietary fibre (rs=0.278,
P<0.01; rs=0.226, P<0.05) and fluid intake (rs=0.257, P<0.05; OR=3.571, 95% CI
[1.202-10.609]). Constipation severity was associated with higher physical activity
levels (OR=2.467, 95% CI [1.054-5.777]). Conclusion: Insufficient intake of dietary
fibre and fluid are associated with aggravated constipation symptoms. Further
studies are necessary to confirm usefulness of dietary intervention in treatment
of constipation as dietary factors alone may not influence overall severity and
stool consistency, an integral element of constipation.
- Full text:W020150716392990467686.pdf
