BACKGROUND: Definition and diagnosis of constipation remain challenging, partly due to different perceptions of the disease by doctors and patients. AIM: To evaluate prevalence and features of constipation among individuals seen in general practice, by comparing different diagnostic instruments. METHODS: Standardized questionnaires and the Bristol stool form scale were distributed to all subjects attending 10 general practitioners for any reason in a 2-week period. The questionnaires investigated constipation defined according to: (1) self-perception (yes/no); (2) a visual analogue scale; (3) Rome III Criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of constipation in 1306 subjects (790 female, 516 male) resulted: (1) 34% self-reported; (2) 28% by visual analogue scale; (3) 24% by Rome Criteria. Constipation was more frequent in females. A high frequency of symptoms of obstructed defecations was observed with differences among patients with self-reported constipation with or without Bristol stool type 1-2. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of constipation among individuals attending their GP ranges between 24 and 34%, according to the different definitions adopted. Symptoms of obstructed defecations are frequent. The combination of self-evaluation and the Bristol stool type scale is potentially useful to identify subgroups of patients with different clinical features in general practice.
Titolo: | Clinical features of constipation in general practice in Italy. |
Autore/i: | Cottone C; Tosetti C; Disclafani G; Ubaldi E; COGLIANDRO, ROSANNA FRANCESCA; STANGHELLINI, VINCENZO |
Autore/i Unibo: | |
Anno: | 2014 |
Rivista: | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2050640614527283 |
Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Definition and diagnosis of constipation remain challenging, partly due to different perceptions of the disease by doctors and patients. AIM: To evaluate prevalence and features of constipation among individuals seen in general practice, by comparing different diagnostic instruments. METHODS: Standardized questionnaires and the Bristol stool form scale were distributed to all subjects attending 10 general practitioners for any reason in a 2-week period. The questionnaires investigated constipation defined according to: (1) self-perception (yes/no); (2) a visual analogue scale; (3) Rome III Criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of constipation in 1306 subjects (790 female, 516 male) resulted: (1) 34% self-reported; (2) 28% by visual analogue scale; (3) 24% by Rome Criteria. Constipation was more frequent in females. A high frequency of symptoms of obstructed defecations was observed with differences among patients with self-reported constipation with or without Bristol stool type 1-2. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of constipation among individuals attending their GP ranges between 24 and 34%, according to the different definitions adopted. Symptoms of obstructed defecations are frequent. The combination of self-evaluation and the Bristol stool type scale is potentially useful to identify subgroups of patients with different clinical features in general practice. |
Data stato definitivo: | 2015-12-30T12:58:11Z |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 1.01 Articolo in rivista |