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. 2017 Apr;32(4):475-483.
doi: 10.1007/s00384-016-2722-3. Epub 2016 Dec 2.

On the prevalence of constipation and fecal incontinence, and their co-occurrence, in the Netherlands

Rob J Meinds  1 , Maxime M van Meegdenburg  2 , Monika Trzpis  2 , Paul M A Broens  3   2
Affiliations

On the prevalence of constipation and fecal incontinence, and their co-occurrence, in the Netherlands

Rob J Meinds et al. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2017 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose: Numerous studies have investigated the prevalence of constipation and fecal incontinence (FI) in the general population and, even though these disorders are known to co-occur, they were studied independently of each other. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of constipation and FI, and their co-occurrence, in the general population in the Netherlands.

Methods: We studied a cross-section of the Dutch population (N = 1259). All respondents completed the Groningen Defecation & Fecal Continence checklist. We defined constipation and FI in accordance with the Rome III criteria.

Results: We found that 24.5% (95% CI, 22.1-26.8) suffered from constipation, 7.9% (95% CI, 6.4-9.4) suffered from FI, and 3.5% (95% CI, 2.5-4.5) suffered from both disorders. Constipated respondents were 2.7 times more likely to suffer from FI than non-constipated respondents (95% CI, 1.8-4.0). Moreover, 48.7% of the respondents with constipation, 35.0% with FI, and 38.6% in whom the disorders co-occurred qualified their bowel habits as either "good" or "very good". We found that 49.4% of the respondents with constipation and 48.0% with FI had not discussed their complaints with anyone.

Conclusions: Constipation and FI, isolated or co-occurring, are common disorders in the general population, even in young and healthy respondents. Since constipation and FI often co-occur, we recommend that patients who seek medical attention for either disorder should be examined for both. Moreover, constipation and/or FI are not always identified appropriately by patients. Therefore, physicians should take the initiative to diagnose and treat these disorders.

Keywords: Constipation; Fecal incontinence; Population; Prevalence.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Funding

R.J. Meinds and M.M. van Meegdenburg were financially supported by a grant from the Junior Scientific Masterclass of the University of Groningen.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The probability of constipation and fecal incontinence plotted against the age of the respondents. a The probability of constipation gradually decreased to a minimum value of approximately 0.17 at 61 years, after which the probability increased as respondents’ ages increased. b The overall probability of FI did not change with increasing respondents’ age
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Defecation frequency and stool consistency. a The frequency of bowel movements. b The consistency of stools (according to the Bristol stool chart)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Opinion on bowel habits and help-seeking behavior. a Respondents’ qualification of own bowel habits regarding the ability to hold and pass stools. b With whom respondents discussed their defecation disorders
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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