Defecation Frequency and Stool Form in a Coastal Eastern Indian Population

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Data on normal stool form and frequency, which are important for defining constipation, are scanty; hence, we studied these in an eastern Indian population. METHODS: One thousand and two hundred apparently healthy asymptomatic subjects were evaluated for predominant stool form (Bristol chart with descriptor) and frequency. Data on demographic and life-style (diet and physical activity) were collected. RESULTS: Of 1,200 subjects (age 42 +/- 14.5 years, 711, 59% male), most passed predominantly Bristol type IV stool (699 [58.2%]; other forms were type I (23 [1.9%]), type II (38 [3.2%]), type III (99 [8.2%]), type V (73 [6%]), type VI (177 [14.7%]), type VII (7 [0.6%]) and an irregular combination (84 [7%]). Weekly stool frequency was 12.1 +/- 4.7 (median 14, range 2-42). Less than 3 stools/week was noted in 32/1,200 (2.6%). Female subjects (n = 489) passed stools less frequently than males (n = 711) (11.1 +/- 5.6/week vs. 12.8 +/- 3.8/week, P 35 years were significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Median stool frequency in the studied population was 14/week (range 2-42) and predominant form was Bristol type IV. Older age was associated with lesser stool frequency, particularly among female subjects.