A Study On The Characteristics And Related Factors Of Constipation From The Military Retired People

OBJECTIVE This work is to investigate the risk factors of constipation in retired military people. By comparing the stool characteristics between the group with and without constipation, a tentative healthy life style guidance that can help to avoid or relieve constipation among the elderly population is generalized.METHODS A survey was conducted by using questionnaires. 114 elderly retired military people were enrolled. Based on Rome II criteria, the participants were divided into two groups, the constipation group (n=45) and the non-constipation group (n=69). All participants were asked to provide information about their food and beverage, weight of ADL, SDS, medical history, current medication, and their defecation status and accompanied symptoms. The constipation risk factors were analyzed by using SPSS 10.0. Stool samples were collected from half of the participants. Fecal characters and contents of electrolytes (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and trace metal elements (Al, Zn, Cu, Fe) in stool samples were measured and compared between the groups with and without constipation. RESULTS:1. The prevalence of constipation in this study is 39% (34% in male vs. 46% in female, p>0.05). Risk factors of constipation are: age (age≥80yrs), depression (SDS≥250), overweight (BMI≥25), CHD (coronary heart disease), intake of CCB (Calcium channel blocker), decreased intake of Chinese tea, decreased physical activity. Multi-factor regression analysis revealed that depression, overweight, CHD, and intake of CCB and decreased physical activity were independent risk factors of constipation.2. No significant differences of stool frequency, moisture and pH of stool werefound between groups with and without constipation. In subjects with constipation, the length time of bowel movement, the scores of straining and the sensation of incomplete evacuation were higher than normal subjects.3. The contents of electrolytes and trace metal elements in stool are found to be same between groups with and without constipation.4. In the normal group, it is found that the moisture content of stools is significantly correlated to Na content and K content. In the group with constipation, it is found that the liner relationship between K content and the moisture of the feces is statistically significant (R=3.2, P=0.005). Also, the Calcium content is positively related to the length time of bowl movement and score of straining (R=0.469, P=0.008; R=0.469,P= 0.037).5. There is no statistically significant correlation of trace metal elements content in feces between the normal and constipated people.6. Intake of fiber is negatively correlated to length time of bowel movement. It is observed that higher intake of calcium and potassium in constipation subjects. But only intake of calcium is positively correlated with fecal calcium content and defecation syndromes.Conclusions1. Increased rates of constipation in the retired military people are significantly associated with less physical activity, CHD, CCB intake, and depression, aging, overweight, decreased intake of Chinese tea.2. Electrolytes transportation disorder and their regulation disorder in human colon may play a role in pathogenesis of constipation in the elderly. This needs further research. Evaluation of fecal electrolyte contents may help to classify the subtype of constipation and assess treatment of constipation in the elderly.3. Adjusting rations of fiber, calcium and potassium in diet may help to improve symptoms of constipation in elderly.