The Factors Affecting the Constipation of the Elderly at Nursing Homes

Lee, Ki Nam; Sung, Ki Wol

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting the constipation of the elderly at nursing homes.
METHODS
A total of 184 elders at 7 nursing homes in P City participated. Information about constipation status (Constipation Assessment Scale), functional status (Katz' Activities of Daily Living), nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Assessment), and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korea version) were collected through interviews. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and t-test were used to describe and compare the non constipation group and the constipation group. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors affecting constipation status.
RESULTS
The prevalence of constipation was 47.5% (Men 37%, women 51%). Elders suffering from a disease (P=.021) and having low sleep satisfaction (P=.000) were more likely to be constipated than those who did not. The factors affecting the constipation of the elderly at nursing homes were gender (OR=3.558), sleep satisfaction (OR=.580), and depressive symptoms (OR=1.132).
CONCLUSION
According to the result, to reduce the constipation rate of old women at nursing homes, we have to develop guidelines that can solve problems related to constipation cause by sleep-satisfaction and depressive symptoms.