Factors with to intestinal constipation in the rural area elderly

• Main Authors: Sara Franco Diniz Heitor, Leiner Resende Rodrigues, Flávia Aparecida Dias, Nayara Paula Fernandes Martins, Darlene Mara dos Santos Tavares
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal de Goias 2013-12-01
• Series: Revista Eletrônica de Enfermagem
• Subjects: Constipação Intestinal; Idoso; Motilidade Gastrointestinal; População Rural; Enfermagem Geriátrica
• Online Access: http://revistas.ufg.emnuvens.com.br/fen/article/view/20546

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of intestinal constipation in the rural area elderly and verify the factors associated. This is a home survey performed with 850 elderly residents of the rural area of Uberaba, Minas Gerais state. A structured instrument was used; information regarding their eating habits was obtained using an adapted questionnaire for food consumption frequency, and intestinal constipation was self-reported. Descriptive analysis, chi-square test and multiple logistic regression (p<0.05) were performed. The prevalence of intestinal constipation was 13.2%. The factors associated with intestinal constipation were: female gender (p<0.001), 80 years of age or older (p=0.035), living with another person (p=0.004), having no income (p=0.033), inadequate consumption of fruits (p=0.005) and vegetable (p=0.002). It is considered that client-centered nutritional education can help remove the factors associated with the outcome. Descriptors: Constipation; Aged; Gastrointestinal Motility; Rural Population; Geriatric Nursing.