Prevalence of Constipation and its Relationship with Dietary Habits Among College Going Girls in the Age Group of 18-25 Years of Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Constipation is one of the most prevalent digestive system problems and is characterised by an increase in bowel frequency, too few and infrequent movements, difficulty passing waste, and hard, strained faeces. Constipation can result from a variety of causes, including environmental, psychological, hereditary, and others. Approximately 40% of individuals globally experience digestive problems like diarrhoea, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with prevalence rates of 4.7%, 11.7%, and 4.1%, respectively, according to a large-scale multinational study based on online surveys. Additionally, gastrointestinal conditions like IBD, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis have been associated with bowel motion. Extreme bowel motions (constipation or frequency) could therefore be a sign of various diseases or gastrointestinal issues.The present study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of constipation among college-going girls (18-25 years old) and the relationship between constipation and dietary practices. It is one observational and descriptive in nature, and was limited to collegegoing female students between the ages of 18 and 25 years who live at Kolkata, West Bengal. The data was collected through an online survey using a pre-tested standardized questionnaire using a random sampling technique and the sample size of 300 was achieved.Among the respondents 19% were found to be suffering from constipation. There is a strong statistical correlation between constipation frequency, daily dietary pattern, and food habits. According to the study's findings, constipation is frequently caused by stress and an unhealthy lifestyle. Thus, in conclusion the college girls are experiencing constipation and the regular healthy eating habits, including foods high in fibre in the diet, and drinking adequate water can be effective treatments for the same.

Development and Performance Analysis of Machine Learning Methods for Predicting the Occurrence of Constipation and its Risk Factors Responsible Among College Going Girl

“…This observational descriptive study involved 300 college girls in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, who were randomly chosen using social media ( Linkdin, Whats's App and Face Book) and ranged in age from 18 to 25.The traditional evaluation was already published elsewhere [19], present study is the updated version of the same, where ML models were applied and Bristol's and ROME-III criteria were incorporated. The study was extended part of one bigger project among adult and institutional ethical clearance was obtained from All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata, India.…”

“…Eighteen variables were included as potential predictors in the current investigation. The predictors were developed using many published studies on FC in young people or college-bound students [19,22]. Age, BMI, and the ve criteria for the ROME-III categorization of FC (the last two were taken because the question of "Manual maneuvers on > 25% of defecations" received no response and was therefore removed from the data set) Too-small bowel movement frequency, bleeding or tearing in the colon during or following a bowel movement, abdominal pain and discomfort, Bristol's Scale of Stool Consistency, Exercise Frequency: "Do you exercise?"…”