Constipation Prevalence and Related Risk Factors among Orthopedic Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 medical surgical nursing. cairo university

2 RN, MSc, PhD. Assistant professor, Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Background Risk factors of constipation have not yet been wholly clarified among patients with fractures, especially in Egypt. Aim: this study designed to investigate the prevalence of constipation and its related risk factors among orthopedic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional design with a purposive sample of 150 patients was used to conduct this study. Three questionnaires were administered: (A) demographic and medical history sheet; (B) Bristol Stool Scale; and (C) Constipation Risk Assessment Scale. Results: The patients mean age was 39.5 ± 10.6 years. Patients were at moderate risk for constipation with average scores of 12.9 ± 4.1. Multivariable logistic regression was established to identify constipation factors as follow: length of hospital stay (odds ratio [ORa]= .248, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .129-.475), previous constipation history (ORa= 4.566, 95% CI: 1.213-17.190), difficulty in bowel excretion in hospital (ORa= 2.028, 95% CI: 1.068-3.849), colorectal/abdominal diseases (ORa= .639, 95% CI: .416-.980), and Iron supplementation (ORa= 1.703, 95% CI: .952-3.046), were the risks that could significantly predict occurrence of constipation among orthopedic patients. Conclusion: This study concluded that frequency of constipation was low among orthopedic patients. However, many risks remarkably predicted susceptibility to having constipation. Recommendations: Nurses must take the identified risk factors seriously into consideration during assessing and caring for orthopedic patients. Evidence-based nursing interventions must be designed to control the adverse effects of these risks on bowel function.

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