Constipation among Korean older adults in long-term care facilities: A scoping review

This study synthesized the literature on constipation among Korean older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities.

This scoping review utilized the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol. We conducted a literature search using Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, PubMed, PsycINFO, Korean databases Research Information Sharing Service, Korean Studies Information Service System, and ScienceON. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted their characteristics using pretested forms to determine the final inclusion. In total, 473 articles were identified, and eight were used for the final analysis.

Quasi-experimental design was the most common research design. Sex, age, state of mobility, admission periods, LTC classification, sleep satisfaction, depressive symptoms, diet type, daily fluid intake, and history of digestion were identified as factors related to constipation. The most widely used constipation measurement method is measuring the frequency of defecation per week. Massage is the most commonly used nursing intervention to relieve constipation.

The diversification of research on constipation is necessary to improve the quality of life of older adults living in LTC facilities. Therefore, the use of reliable tools to determine constipation in older adults in LTC facilities should be expanded. There is a need to develop and implement diverse non-pharmacological interventions for older adults in LTC facilities. The results of this study are intended to serve as a basis for the development of constipation programs for Korean older adults in LTC facilities.