J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2016 Jun;20(2):94-101. 10.4235/jkgs.2016.20.2.94.

Association Between Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Dietary Habits of the Elderly Aged Over 65

• Kim SC
• Choi HH

• KMID: 2393020
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/jkgs.2016.20.2.94

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common diseases of the digestive system, with a worldwide prevalence of approximately 20%. However, studies on constipation-predominant IBS in the elderly are scarce. Since Korea has the highest elderly population, with 38.2% of its population expected to be aged over 65 years by the year 2050, a study on the presence of IBS in this population is warranted.
METHODS
In the present study, IBS was defined and classified according to the Rome III criteria. This study was performed by using the case and control method at the outpatient Department of Family Medicine and the health promotion center of a hospital in Gwangju. The questionnaire for the demographic characteristics and dietary habits was administered to 128 patients with IBS and 193 controls.
RESULTS
Individuals who had a tendency of overeating for >3 days a week, compared to those who had a tendency of overeating for <2 days a week; those who had spicy food for >3 days a week, compared to those who had it for <2 days a week; and the time of meals showed statistically significant results. Meanwhile, the number and regularity of meals and having breakfast were not relevant factors.
CONCLUSION
The weekly frequency of overeating and intake of spicy food as well as short time for meals are related to constipation-predominant IBS in the elderly aged above 65 years.

Keyword

Irritable bowel syndrome; Dietary habits; Elderly; Constipation

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Breakfast
Constipation
Digestive System
Food Habits*
Gwangju
Health Promotion
Humans
Hyperphagia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome*
Korea
Meals
Methods
Outpatients
Prevalence