Understanding Constipation: A Cross-sectional Study from a Developing Country Setting

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gastroenterology Clinics of The Aga Khan Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi. All patients complaining of constipation were included. Patients with alarm features were excluded. Interviews were conducted by trained doctors using a structured Rome III based pre-tested questionnaire and Bristol Stool Form Scale. Out of 396 participants, 186 (47.0%) had FC and 209 (52.7%) had IBS-C. Based upon Bristol Stool Form Scale, only 214 (54%) reported to have slow transit constipation (BSS <2). A higher proportion of women reported severe form of constipation as compared to men (81.5%, n=150 vs. 65.1%, n=138 p<0.001). However, a higher percentage of men reported using medications to treat their symptoms (71.2%, n=151 vs. 57.1%, n=105 p=0.003). Proper understanding of patient's symptoms is essential for optimizing individual patient management.