Functional Constipation in Older Adults: Prevalence, Clinical Symptoms and Subtypes, Association with Frailty, and Impact on Quality of Life.

INTRODUCTION: Functional constipation (FC) is very prevalent in older adults, especially in women, but its relationship with frailty is not fully understood. The aims were to assess FC prevalence, clinical symptoms and subtypes, association with frailty, and impact on quality of life (QoL) in older people. METHODS: This epidemiological study included 384 individuals aged over 70 years recruited from the community, a hospital, and a nursing home and stratified into robust, pre-frail, and frail groups (Fried criteria). The following criteria were evaluated: frailty, FC (Rome III criteria), stool consistency (Bristol Stool Chart), comorbidities (Charlson), dependency (Barthel), QoL (EQ5D), and clinical and sociodemographic data. Defined by symptom aggregation were 2 main clinical subtypes as follows: slow colonic transit time (CTT) and functional defecation disorder (FDD). RESULTS: Mean age was 79.11 ± 6.43 years. Overall FC prevalence was 26.8%, higher in women (32.4% women vs. 21.8% men; p = 0.019) and highest in frail patients (41.7% frail vs. 33.9% pre-frail vs. 24.2% robust; p < 0.001). Straining and hard stools (Bristol 1-2) were the most prevalent symptoms (89.3 and 75.7%, respectively). Frailty and benzodiazepine intake were independently associated with FC. Patients with FC obtained poorer QoL scores in the EQ5D (perceived health 66.09 ± 17.8 FC patients vs. 56.4 ± 19.03 non-FC patients; p < 0.05). The FDD subtype became significantly more prevalent as frailty increased (6.5, 25.8, and 67.7% for robust, pre-frail, and frail patients, respectively); the slow CTT subtype was significantly more frequent in robust patients (38.5% robust vs. 30.5% pre-frail vs. 23.1% frail), p = 0.002. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: FC prevalence in older adults was high, especially in women, and was associated with frailty and poor QoL. Clinical subtypes as related to frailty phenotypes reflect specific pathophysiological aspects and should lead to more specific diagnoses and improved treatment.

Necesidades formativas percibidas al envejecer. Cómo afrontar un envejecimiento saludable / Educational perceived needs when aging. How to face a healthy aging

Objetivo: Explorar necesidades formativas percibidas por las personas mayores de 60 años al envejecer y conocer los beneficios o barreras de participar en cursos de formación dirigidos a ellos. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo con grupos focales realizado en áreas básicas de salud y un centro social de Mataró (Barcelona). Se estudiaron 29 sujetos divididos en: personas mayores de 60 años que acudían a un centro de atención primaria y personas mayores de 60 de una asociación de personas mayores. Se organizaron 4 grupos focales estratificados por segmentos. Se transcribieron las grabaciones elaborando categorías, se codificaron y analizaron. Resultados: Los participantes tenían vidas plenas, apoyos emocionales y vínculos positivos con su comunidad y familia. Manifestaron que es importante planificar el envejecimiento y actividades para realizar al jubilarse. Conclusión: Es necesario recibir formación al envejecer. Principales barreras: obligación de cuidar, falta de tiempo y coste económico

Objective: To explore formative needs perceived by people older than 60 years when aging and to know the benefits and/or barriers of participating in training courses focused on them. Methods: Qualitative study with focus groups made in basic areas of primary care and a social center of Mataró (Barcelona).29 subjects were studied, divided into: people over 60 years attending a primary care center and people over 60 belonging to an association of elderly. 4 focus groups stratified by segments were organized. The recordings were transcribed elaborating categories, they were codified and analyzed. Results: The participants had full lives, emotional support and positive links with their community and family. They stated that it is important to plan aging and activities to do when retiring. Conclusions: To receive training is needed when aging. Main barriers: obligation to take care of, lack of time, economic cost