Internet survey on the actual situation of constipation in the Japanese population under 70 years old: focus on functional constipation and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND: In Japan, the prevalence of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) and functional constipation (FC) diagnosed by the Rome III criteria is unclear, as are the demographic profile, quality of life (QOL), and habits of persons with IBS-C or FC. METHODS: We performed an internet survey of constipation. After extracting 3000 persons fitting the composition of the general Japanese population, we investigated demographic factors, lifestyle, defecation, and laxatives. IBS-C and FC were diagnosed by Rome III criteria. Respondents also completed the Japanese IBS severity index (IBS-SI-J), Japanese IBS QOL scale (IBS-QOL-J), SF-8, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Japanese Health Practice Index (JHPI). RESULTS: ). Total IBS-QOL-J score were significantly lower in the IBS-C group than the FC group. With regard to SF-8, score of mental component summary (MCS) was significantly lower in the IBS-C group. The total IBS-SI-J score and item scores, except for satisfactory defecation, were significantly higher in the IBS-C group than the FC group. HADS showed a significant increase of anxiety and depression in both the groups, and the JHPI revealed insufficient sleep. CONCLUSIONS: In Japan, among the population of under 70 years old, the prevalence of IBS-C and FC (Rome III criteria) was 4.97% and 8.76%, respectively. IBS-C caused more severe symptoms than FC, resulting in impairment of QOL.