Abstract
BackgroundWe aimed to review the literature regarding the epidemiology of constipation in Europe and Oceania and the associated prevalence/risk factors.MethodsTwo reviewers performed PubMed searches and a hand search of references. A study was considered eligible for inclusion if it reported data about the prevalence of constipation in any population, free of other gastrointestinal disorders, in Europe and Oceania. Studies were evaluated for quality. Data regarding the setting, type of study, definition of constipation, study population, prevalence of constipation, factors associated with increased odds for constipation, and the female to male ratio, were collected.ResultsThe 21 reviewed studies depict prevalence rates in 34 different population groups ranging widely from a low 0.7% to a high 81%. In the general population of Europe the mean value of the reported constipation rates is 17,1 % and the median value 16.6%. Among the studies conducted in Oceania, the mean value of constipation prevalence was 15.3%. Female gender, age and socioeconomic and educational class seem to have major effect on constipation prevalence. A number of various other risk factors are, less clearly, associated with constipation.ConclusionThis systematic review depicts the high prevalence and related risk factors of a disorder that decreases the health-related quality of life and has major economic consequences.
Highlights
We aimed to review the literature regarding the epidemiology of constipation in Europe and Oceania and the associated prevalence/risk factors
Among the studies conducted in Oceania, the mean value of constipation prevalence is 15.3%
The prevalence rates of constipation in Europe and Oceania as depicted by this review are consistent with the epidemiology of the disorder in North America [12]
Summary
We aimed to review the literature regarding the epidemiology of constipation in Europe and Oceania and the associated prevalence/risk factors. Gastrointestinal functional disorders and especially constipation are common morbidity factors in otherwise healthy persons as well as in patients with various predisposing diseases. The high prevalence rates, economic cost and adverse implications on the quality of life and health state [3,4], make constipation a major public health issue. The majority of cases are attributed to functional disorders without a structural underlying cause that could explain symptoms. Risk factors, such as dietary habits, physical inactivity [8], socioeconomic level, psychological parameters, medications [9], age [10], gender [11], etc have been implicated in the development of chronic functional constipation. The specific etiology of this gastrointestinal disorder has not been elucidated
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