Functional Constipation and Associated Risk Factors in the Elderly Patients Attending the General Outpatient Clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Functional constipation (FC), defined as a stool frequency of less than 3 times per week and persisting for at least 3 months, is a common concern in family medicine. Data on FC and its risk factors in elderly Nigerians are limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of FC among elderly patients at a family medicine clinic in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 316 elderly patients (≥60 years) attending the family medicine clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, using systematic random sampling. Data were collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. FC was the dependent variable, and socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, and medical history were independent variables. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05 (95% CI).

Results: The prevalence of FC was 19.3%. The mean age of participants was 68.77 ± 6.76 years. While females were the majority (57.3%), a higher proportion of males had FC (22.2% vs. 17.1%). Logistic regression identified ethnicity (Yoruba: OR 2.348, p = 0.014; Hausa: OR 5.586, p = 0.043) and lack of fruit (OR 2.672, p = 0.043) and vegetable (OR 2.679, p = 0.012) consumption as significant predictors of FC.

Conclusion: The prevalence of FC was notable, with higher rates in males and significant associations with Yoruba and Hausa ethnicities, and lower intake of fruits and vegetables. These findings suggest the need for targeted dietary interventions and culturally sensitive management strategies for FC in this elderly Nigerian population.