Namık Kemal Tıp Dergisi (Apr 2016)
Constipation Issues and Affecting Factors on the Elderly Living in Nursing Home
Abstract
AimThis study is planned in order to diagnose constipation issues and the factors affecting constipation on the elderly living in nursing home.Materials and MethodsThis descriptive study was carried out on July 1-15, 2015 Süleymanpaşa district in Tekirdağ with 56 individuals who live in an nursing homes and agreed to involve the study. Data were collected with Personal Information Form, Constipation Severity Scale, Mini Nutrition Test, and Barthel Activities of Daily Living Scale. Data were analysed through descriptive (mean, standard deviation, percentage calculation) and comparative (Mann Whitney U Test) statistical analysis methods.ResultsThe average age of participants was 79.32±8.62, and 66% of them were male. 44.6% of the participants stated that they consume less than 4 glasses of water, 55.4% of them stated that they had no constipation problems, and 75% of the participants pointed out that they do not use any medication for constipation. While 57.1% of the elderly were independent in their activities, 35.7% of the participants were determined to be under the risk of malnutrition. It has been determined that elderly using closets/bedpans instead of squat toilets experience constipation more severely. It has also been found out that having constipation problems, using medication against constipation, being dependent in daily activities, and malnutrition affects constipation severity negatively.ConclusionIt has been determined that elderly participated in the study experience constipation. Therefore, it has been suggested that awareness should be levelled up through early diagnosis, and measures such as forming an appropriate bowel management programme and a balanced diet should be taken.
