Open AccessChronic Constipation in the United States: Results From a Population-Based Survey Assessing Healthcare Seeking and Use of Pharmacotherapy
Author(s) -
Sun Jung Oh,
Garth Fuller,
Dhairya Patel,
Carine Khalil,
William Spalding,
Arpita Nag,
Brennan Spiegel,
Christopher V. Almario
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the american journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.907
H-Index - 252
eISSN - 1572-0241
pISSN - 0002-9270
DOI - 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000614
Subject(s) - constipation , medicine , medical prescription , population , health care , irritable bowel syndrome , family medicine , physical therapy , environmental health , nursing , economics , economic growth
Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is characterized by unsatisfactory defecation and difficult or infrequent stools. CIC affects 9%-20% of adults in the United States, and although prevalent, gaps in knowledge remain regarding CIC healthcare seeking and medication use in the community. We recruited a population-based sample to determine the prevalence and predictors of (i) individuals having discussed their constipation symptoms with a healthcare provider and (ii) the use of constipation therapies.