PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of first onset of constipation during the rehabilitation stage and risk factors for constipation in patients with cerebral vascular disease (CVD). METHODS: Participants for this retrospective study were 214 CVD patients admitted to rehabilitation units. First onset of constipation and factors influencing constipation such as dependency level were recorded for 14 days during the rehabilitation stage. Survival analysis with Cox proportional hazard model and descriptive statistics were conducted. RESULTS: Age, patients'severity, types of diet, and dependency level were different between constipation and non-constipation groups. In survival analysis, 99% of participants developed constipation within 14 days after admission to rehabilitation units. Median constipation occurrence time was 7.4 days. Patients who were immobile and had tube feedings were more likely to develop constipation 4.07 times (95% CI: 1.018~16.301, p=.047) and 2.09 times (95% CI: 1.001~4.377, p=.050) respectively compared to patients who were independent and had a regular diet, respectively. CONCLUSION: Most CVD patients experienced constipation within 2 weeks after entering the rehabilitation stage. Constipation was linked to types of diet and dependency level. These factors associated with constipation should be considered when caring for patients in rehabilitation.
Constipation* ; Diet ; Humans ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Rehabilitation* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; Survival Analysis ; Vascular Diseases*