Prevalência e fatores associados à constipação em idosos da comunidade residentes em Maceió

Abstract

Introduction: The number of elderly people grows exponentially and the aging process is associated with physiological changes and in the epidemiological profile of the population. Studies indicate a high prevalence of constipation in this age group, which can compromise quality of life and seems to be associated with the presence of depressive symptoms. Objective: To identify the prevalence of constipation and the possible factors associated with this clinical condition in community-dwelling elderly in Maceió. Methodology: Cross-sectional study carried out with elderly men and women living in Maceió. Sociodemographic and economic variables, current and past health conditions were collected. The evacuation pattern was evaluated based on the ROMA IV criteria. The assessment of nutritional status was performed using BMI, while functional capacity was assessed using Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL). The presence of depressive symptoms was identified using the Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: The prevalence of constipation found was 40% (CI95% = 0,537 – 0,661). The variables that remained associated with the outcome after the adjusted analysis were: mild depression (OR = 2.291; p = 0.008), hypertension (OR = 0.555; p = 0.039), dependent functional capacity (OR = 0.509; p = 0.030) and polypharmacy (OR = 0.417; p = 0.036). In a multivariate analysis adjusted for sex, age, smoking, alcoholism, physical activity, it was observed that only mild depression remains associated with constipation, increasing twice the chances of the elderly person having constipation (OR = 2.104 p = 0.029 ). Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal constipation in the studied population group was high, corroborating what other authors had already reported about this condition being very prevalent in the elderly. This condition may be associated with intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Multivariate regression analysis showed that only mild depression remained associated with constipation.