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Older people seeking solutions to constipation: the laxative mire
1MP Annells Research, Adelaide, Australia.
Journal of Clinical Nursing
|August 31, 2002
Summary
Older adults struggle to manage constipation, often getting lost in laxative options. Accessible, evidence-based advice and solutions are urgently needed for effective constipation self-management.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Constipation is a common issue for older adults, impacting their quality of life.
- Self-management is a strong imperative for this demographic.
- Existing solutions, particularly laxatives, present challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences and responses of older adults to constipation.
- To understand their self-management strategies and challenges.
- To identify needs for improved services and information.
Main Methods:
- An extensive descriptive survey was conducted.
- In-depth, semi-structured interviews were used.
- 90 community-dwelling older adults (65+ years) participated.
Main Results:
- Older adults face significant difficulties in finding effective constipation solutions.
- Laxative use is common but often confusing and problematic.
- There is a frustrating lack of accessible, reliable information and services.
Conclusions:
- Older adults require accessible, empathetic advice on affordable constipation solutions.
- Evidence-based selection and prescription of solutions, including laxatives, are crucial.
- Eight recommendations, including research directions, are proposed to address these needs.