Clinico-epidemiological spectrum of constipation patients at a tertiary care center in Ajman, UAE - a descriptive 5...

Aim: This research aims to assess the clinical and epidemiological profile of elderly patients reported to a tertiary care centre in Ajman, UAE.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional review of electronic medical records was conducted for patients diagnosed with constipation between January 2020 and July 2025. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, functional status, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, gastrointestinal history, and treatment outcomes were extracted using a structured proforma. Descriptive statistics were applied.

Results: Eighty elderly patients were included, predominantly male (71.3%) and aged 60-69 years (78.8%). Abnormal BMI was present in 76.3%. Chronic symptoms were common, with 52.5% reporting constipation ≥3 months and 47.5% >6 months. Low fluid intake (66.3%), low dietary fiber intake (67.5%), and sedentary lifestyle (62.5%) were highly prevalent. Cardiometabolic comorbidities were frequent, including hypertension (68.8%), diabetes mellitus (65.0%), and hypercholesterolemia (63.7%). Only 38.8% achieved good therapeutic response, while 61.3% had poor or partial improvement.

Conclusions: Constipation in elderly patients at this tertiary center represents a persistent, multifactorial condition requiring comprehensive, individualized, and lifestyle-integrated management strategies to improve outcomes.