Characteristics of functional constipation and the need for treatment with traditional medicine of students in University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University

Abstract

Background: Functional constipation (FC) is considered as a common functional bowel disorder that have substantial impact on patient quality of life. Objectives: To study characteristics of FC and the need for treatment with traditional medicine of students in University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University. Materials and method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 451 students from 9 academic majors at University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University. Using the Bristol Stool Form (BSF) Scale to characterize human stool and ROME III Diagnostic Questionnaire to assess constipation symptoms, using anxiety, depression, stress rating scale - DASS-21. Results: The prevalence of FC among students was 8.9% (40/451) according to ROME III criteria, female are higher than male (85.0% vs 15.0%). According to traditional medicine, Deficiency accounts for 65.0%, Excess 60.0%, Cold 42.5% and Heat 57.5%. Qi stagnation pattern accounts for 42.5%, Qi deficiency pattern 25.0%, large intestinal heat bind pattern 20.0%, blood deficiency pattern 10.0% and yang deficiency pattern 2.5%. The proportion of students who need for treatment with traditional medicine is 52.5%, acupress massage and traditional medicines are the two methods with the highest demand for treatment. Conclusion: FC among students in University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University are with relatively high prevalence. Most of them have manifestations of Excess and Deficiency, Qi stagnation pattern and Qi deficiency pattern are higher than the other. Demand for treatment of FC with traditional medicine is quite high, most of them need treatment with acupress massage and traditional medicines. Key words: functional constipation, students, the need for treatment, ROME III criteria.