Constipation assessment scales in adults: a literature review including the new Bowel Function Index

Abstract

Constipation is a common clinical condition and patient and physician perception of the disorder can vary considerably. The assessment of a symptom-based condition such as constipation is challenging, in terms of making the diagnosis, assessing the severity of symptoms and their impact on a patient's quality of life, and assessing response to therapy or changes to symptoms over time. In order to assist physicians in assessing the severity of constipation and its related discomfort, several rating scales have been developed. During the course of a literature search, 16 studies were identified that reported assessment scales based on a selection of varied symptoms of constipation and that evaluated these scales in different groups of individuals; two studies presented stool form as being key to assessing transit time. In the present article, the characteristics and psychometric evaluation of these different constipation assessment scales, including the new Bowel Function Index, are reported with a view to discussing which assessment tool appears to be most robust and/or useful in daily clinical practice.

Frequency patterns of core constipation symptoms among the Asian adults: a systematic review

“…However, those who self-reported constipation are more likely to have real constipation than those who fulfilled the Rome criteria alone [ 45 , 48 , 52 ]. Therefore, in addition to core symptoms, the diagnosis of constipation may be more reliable when the patients themselves also self-report constipation [ 61 ]. However, there is not always an agreement between subtypes of constipation.…”

Prevalence and impact of constipation and bowel dysfunction induced by strong opioids: a cross-sectional survey of 520 patients with cancer pain: DYONISOS study

“…There are several tools available to assess constipation, and specifically OIC, including the KESS and BFI questionnaire 13,16,19,21,22 . The KESS and BFI questionnaires are validated tools that cover a certain timeframe and certain aspects of the pathology of OIC.…”

Constipation – prevalence and incidence among medical patients acutely admitted to hospital with a medical condition

“…The validity and reliability of the CAS has been psychometrically evaluated to differentiate between subjects with and without constipation and moderate/severe symptoms, as tested among patients with cancer and healthy individuals ( p < 0·0001) (McMillan & Williams ). An acceptable degree of internal consistency has been found ( r = 0·98) in relation to test–retest reliability (McMillan & Williams , Coffin & Causse ).…”