The Factors Affecting the Constipation of the Elderly at Nursing Homes

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting the constipation of the elderly at nursing homes. METHODS: A total of 184 elders at 7 nursing homes in P City participated. Information about constipation status (Constipation Assessment Scale), functional status (Katz' Activities of Daily Living), nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Assessment), and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korea version) were collected through interviews. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and t-test were used to describe and compare the non constipation group and the constipation group. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors affecting constipation status. RESULTS: The prevalence of constipation was 47.5% (Men 37%, women 51%). Elders suffering from a disease (P=.021) and having low sleep satisfaction (P=.000) were more likely to be constipated than those who did not. The factors affecting the constipation of the elderly at nursing homes were gender (OR=3.558), sleep satisfaction (OR=.580), and depressive symptoms (OR=1.132). CONCLUSION: According to the result, to reduce the constipation rate of old women at nursing homes, we have to develop guidelines that can solve problems related to constipation cause by sleep-satisfaction and depressive symptoms.