Lifestyle and Chronic Constipation in Medical Students.

Mehmet Aykut Yildirim,Mehmet Bicer,H Kaan Karagul,Bugra Ceri,Murat Cakir,Ayse Guldiken,Mustafa Senturk,Harun Yonar,Zeliha Nur Akiner,Merve Nur Gur,Bruno Annibale

doi:10.1155/2021/4752614

Abstract

Aim Constipation is one of the most common complaints of the digestive system indicated with an increase in defecation frequency, difficulty in defecation, and hard and strained defecation. Environmental, personal, and genetic factors may be affecting constipation although the affecting factors have not yet been thoroughly explained. The aim of this study was to investigate constipation frequency and lifestyles in medical students. Method The population was selected among medical students for the study, which was planned as a survey study. Demographic data of all the participants and the factors suggested to affect constipation were questioned and analyzed. Results The study covered a total of 425 medical students. Among the students reporting constipation, 2.86% were in their first year of medical school, while 7.53% were in the third year and 9.09% were in the sixth year. The rate of students reporting constipation and familial history was statistically significant. While regular eating habits were reported in the first and third years, this rate was much lower in the sixth year group working at clinical departments. The results of our study did not reveal any significant relationship between daily intake of water and constipation. There was, however, a significant relationship between stress and constipation. Conclusion The results of our study showed that medical education did not curb constipation frequency. We believe that stress is significant in constipation. The data we collected indicate that regular eating habits and excess liquid intake are not as effective as suggested in the treatment of constipation.

Highlights

As one of the most common complaints of the digestive system, constipation is not a disease, but a symptom [1]
Among the participants reporting constipation, 2.86% were in the first year of medical school while 7.53% were in their third year and 9.09% were in their sixth year. 11 (7.9%) first year, 26 (14.0%) third year, and 6 (6.1%) sixthyear students were on chronic medication
The results of our study revealed a significant relationship between the years and the familial history of constipation variable (p < 0:05)

Summary

Introduction

As one of the most common complaints of the digestive system, constipation is not a disease, but a symptom [1]. Patients complaining about constipation may express different problems. Constipation is usually defined as defecation frequency less than three times a week [2]. 60% of patients complaining about constipation defecate daily. Such patients complain about long-lasting defecation, straining taking up most of the time, and a lingering feeling of discomfort [2]. These complaints indicate functional constipation [3]. An international study committee determined the diagnostic criteria for functional constipation (Rome IV) [3]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion