What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Systematic Review. Population: Constipation. Primary outcome: Prevalence of constipation.

February 12, 2008Open Access

Epidemiology of constipation in Europe and Oceania: a systematic review

GPGeorge PeppasInterbalkan Medical Center VAVangelis G. AlexiouUniversity Hospital of Ioannina EMEleni G. MourtzoukouEuromedica

Key Result

The mean prevalence of constipation was 17.1% in the general population of Europe and 15.3% in Oceania, with female gender, age, and socioeconomic class identified as major risk factors.

Study Design

Type

Systematic Review

Structured PICO

Population

Populations in Europe and Oceania, free of other gastrointestinal disorders (21 studies included depicting prevalence rates in 34 different population groups).

Outcome

Prevalence of constipationpatient reported

Constipation is highly prevalent in Europe and Oceania, affecting approximately 15-17% of the general population, with women, the elderly, and those of lower socioeconomic status at highest risk.

Limitations

Different definitions and diagnostic criteria of constipation across included studies
Discrepancy between self-reported constipation and established Rome criteria
Use of questionnaires depends on the ability of the patient to recall symptoms
Wide range of age groups studied, including pediatric and elderly populations
Literature search was limited to the PubMed database and articles published in English and French

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We aimed to review the literature regarding the epidemiology of constipation in Europe and Oceania and the associated prevalence/risk factors. METHODS: Two reviewers performed PubMed searches and a hand search of references. A study was considered eligible for inclusion if it reported data about the prevalence of constipation in any population, free of other gastrointestinal disorders, in Europe and Oceania. Studies were evaluated for quality. Data regarding the setting, type of study, definition of constipation, study population, prevalence of constipation, factors associated with increased odds for constipation, and the female to male ratio, were collected. RESULTS: The 21 reviewed studies depict prevalence rates in 34 different population groups ranging widely from a low 0.7% to a high 81%. In the general population of Europe the mean value of the reported constipation rates is 17,1 % and the median value 16.6%. Among the studies conducted in Oceania, the mean value of constipation prevalence was 15.3%. Female gender, age and socioeconomic and educational class seem to have major effect on constipation prevalence. A number of various other risk factors are, less clearly, associated with constipation. CONCLUSION: This systematic review depicts the high prevalence and related risk factors of a disorder that decreases the health-related quality of life and has major economic consequences.

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