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A population-based study on defecatory conditions in Japanese subjects: methods for self-evaluation
Shigeyuki Nakaji1, Masashi Matsuzaka, Takashi Umeda
1Department of Hygiene, First Department of Internal Medicine, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan. nakaji@cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
|June 24, 2004
Summary
Bowel movement frequency is a key factor in self-assessing constipation, especially for women. Other factors like stool appearance and straining also indicate constipation in Japanese adults over 40.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Self-evaluation of defecation is crucial for understanding bowel health.
- Constipation is a common condition with subjective and objective indicators.
- Understanding factors influencing constipation perception aids in clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine defecatory conditions in a Japanese population aged over 40.
- To analyze parameters for self-evaluation of defecation and constipation.
- To identify factors associated with the complaint of constipation.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 1195 residents in northern Japan, aged over 40.
- Assessment of defecation and fecal characteristics using nine parameters.
- Logistic regression analysis to determine associations with constipation complaints.
Main Results:
- Women reported a higher tendency for constipation than men.
- Bowel movement frequency was the strongest predictor of constipation (OR: 13.38 men, 42.46 women for 'once per three days or more').
- Stool appearance, prolonged bowel movement time, straining, alternating bowel habits, and travel-related changes were also significantly associated with constipation.
Conclusions:
- Personal evaluation of bowel habits is multifaceted, with bowel movement frequency being a primary component.
- Several subjective and objective factors contribute to the perception of constipation.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering multiple parameters in assessing bowel health and constipation.