Table 1 Characteristics of studies regarding the epidemiology of constipation in Europe in the general population.
From: Epidemiology of constipation in Europe and Oceania: a systematic review
First author, year of publication, setting | Type of study | Definition of constipation | Study population (% of responders) | Prevalence per 100 | Factors significantly associated with increased odds for constipation | Quality score+ | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Siproudhis L 2005 France [16] | Mailed questionnaire survey | Emptying difficulties or unsatisfied defecation during the preceding 12-month period | 7196 (72) persons ≥ 15 yr, representative of the general population | 22.4 | History of vaginal delivery in women | 6 | F/M 2 |
Garrigues V 2004 Spain [17] | Mailed questionnaire study | Self-reported, Rome I, and Rome II criteria | 349 (71.4) participants, 18–65 yr, representative of the general population | 29.5 (self-reported) 19.2 (Rome I criteria) 14 (Rome II criteria) | Female gender | 7 | F/M 2.2 Agreement between self-reported and Rome II criteria was moderate |
Walter S 2002 Sweden [18] | Mailed questionnaire study | Self-reported, as 'sometimes, often or always' constipated | 1610 (80.5) persons, 31–76 yr, randomly selected | 19.8 of women 8.3 of men | Female gender | 4 | F/M 2.4 |
Haug TT 2002 Norway [19] | Mailed questionnaire study | Self-reported, as 'minor or major complaints' during the last 12 months | 62651 (66.5) persons, > 20 yr | 20.2 | Anxiety, and less strongly depression | 4 | F/M 4 |
Frexinos 1998 France [20] | Interview- questionnaire survey | Self reported | 6000 (81) participants > 15 yr, selected by systematic random sampling | 35 | Â | 7 | Â |
Gaburri 1989 Italy Umbria [21] | Interview-questionnaire survey, performed by a physician. | ≤ 2 DPW for > 9 months in the last 3 years and/or straining at stool > 75% of the time | 544 (98). 104 medical students, 103 medical and paramedical employees and 326 randomly selected home interviewed persons. | 9.2 | Female gender presented significantly higher constipation rates. | 5 |  |
Bassotti G 2004 Italy [22] | Prospective study | Rome II criteria | 298 (61) persons recruited from the general population and asked to compile a daily diary on their bowel habits and associated signs and symptoms | 5 (< 3 DPW) 11.7(straining) 10.7(incomplete evacuation) | Â | 6 | Â |