Understanding constipation among the elderly: Determinants and relevance to healthy ageing in a tertiary care setting...

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to identify and analyze the socio-demographic determinants of constipation among elderly individuals (≥60 years) attending a tertiary care hospital in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, in order to address an important gap in regional geriatric gastrointestinal research.

Materials and Methods: A record-based case-control study was conducted among patients aged 60 years and above attending a tertiary care hospital The cases were elderly patients with documented constipation, while the controls were elderly patients without constipation, selected in a 1:2 ratio. Data were extracted using a structured and validated proforma. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were performed to examine associations. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and a p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Constipation was more frequently observed among males and in specific age groups. Participants aged 60-69 years constituted the largest proportion of cases (78.8%), while those aged 70-79 years were more commonly represented among controls. A significant association was observed between age group and constipation (p<0.01). Male participants accounted for 71.3% of cases compared to 37.4% of controls (p<0.01). In adjusted analysis, male gender remained a strong predictor of constipation (AOR: 4.41; 95% CI: 2.40-8.11).

Conclusions: Male gender and age group were key socio-demographic determinants of constipation among elderly patients in this tertiary care setting. These findings highlight the need for targeted screening, early recognition, and preventive strategies for constipation as part of routine geriatric care.