Prevalence and factors associated with faecal impaction in the Spanish old population

Faecal impaction (FI) is a common problem in old people living in nursing home. Its prevalence and associated factors remain unknown in the general population.

To evaluate FI prevalence in the Spanish population older than 65 years and to assess the factors associated with it.

A telephone survey was carried out of a Spanish population older than 65 years random sample (N = 1000). FI was assessed using a previously validated questionnaire.

A total of 28,128 calls were made; 1,431 subjects were eligible and 1,000 subjects were enrollled, mean aged 74.6 ± 7.3 (65–97); 57.5% were women. At least 53 people reported FI within the past year (5.3% (CI 95%: 3.9–6.7%)). Only 0.03% met criteria for chronic constipation and faecal incontinence. FI-associated factors were constipation, female gender, reduced physical activity, and chronic renal failure (CRF).

FI is a prevalent problem in old Spanish population. Constipation and female gender are the main associated factors; low physical activity and CRF appear to play also a significant role. Further studies are required to confirm this association.