Prevalence of constipation in people with intellectual disability: A systematic review

Abstract

Background. Constipation can lead to serious health issues and death. This systematic review summarises international research pertaining to the prevalence of constipation in people with intellectual disability. Method. Studies published from 1990 to January 2016 were identified using Medline, Cinahl, PsycINFO, Web of Science, email requests, and cross-citations. Studies were reviewed narratively. Results. 31 studies were identified. Constipation rates of 50% or more were reported in 14 studies; 21 studies reported rates over 33%. Based on the most representative study, over 25% of people with intellectual disability received a repeat prescription for laxatives in one year, compared to 0.1% of people without intellectual disability. Constipation was more common in those with cerebral palsy and profound intellectual disability, and associated with immobility but not age. Conclusion. Constipation is a significant issue for people with intellectual disability across the life course and should be actively considered as a diagnosis in this population.

The association between employment and the health of people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

“…Three blocks of search terms were developed and combined with the Boolean operator "and": (a) terms for employment; (b) terms for physical or mental health; and (c) terms for intellectual disabilities which have been used in previous systematic reviews (e.g., Robertson, Baines, Emerson, & Hatton, 2018, Robertson, Baines, Emerson, & Hatton, 2017. Three blocks of search terms were developed and combined with the Boolean operator "and": (a) terms for employment; (b) terms for physical or mental health; and (c) terms for intellectual disabilities which have been used in previous systematic reviews (e.g., Robertson, Baines, Emerson, & Hatton, 2018, Robertson, Baines, Emerson, & Hatton, 2017.…”

“…Word search terms were used to identify relevant MeSH/Cinahl headings and Index terms in PsycINFO. Three blocks of search terms were developed and combined with the Boolean operator "and": (a) terms for employment; (b) terms for physical or mental health; and (c) terms for intellectual disabilities which have been used in previous systematic reviews (e.g., Robertson, Baines, Emerson, & Hatton, 2018, Robertson, Baines, Emerson, & Hatton, 2017. Searches were initially run in June 2017 and subsequently updated in May 2018.…”

Constipation management in people with intellectual disability: A systematic review

“… Not peer reviewed or peer‐review status unclear; any study employing any research design with a sample size of less than 10; reviews, letters, commentaries, editorials, meeting or conference abstracts; studies based on neonates (new born infants up to 28 days after birth); studies on conditions where intellectual disability cannot be assumed (e.g., cerebral palsy) where results not disaggregated for people with intellectual disability; studies on specific syndromes associated with intellectual disability with the exception of Down syndrome, which is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (Sherman, Allen, Bean, & Freeman, ). Less common specific syndromes such as Rett syndrome were excluded although it is evident that some research on such syndromes exists (e.g., Baikie et al., ; Schwartzman, Vítolo, Schwartzman, & Morais, ); studies relating to medication as an intervention where use of the medication is not supported by current knowledge or constipation management guidelines (NICE, , ); studies only presenting information on the percentage of people with intellectual disability who receive laxative medication as this is covered in an existing review (Robertson et al., ); studies relating to encopresis (soiling); studies relating to Hirschsprung's disease and Down syndrome, as a meta‐analysis of 61 studies relating to incidence, outcomes and mortality already exists (Friedmacher & Puri, ). …”

“…This increased risk is reflected in findings of a high prevalence of constipation in people with intellectual disability. A recent systematic review on the prevalence of constipation in people with intellectual disability identified 31 relevant studies, of which 14 reported constipation rates of 50% or more, and 21 reported rates over 33% (Robertson, Baines, Emerson, & Hatton, ). Constipation was more common in those with cerebral palsy and profound intellectual disability, and associated with immobility but not age, suggesting that constipation is a significant issue for people with intellectual disability across the life course.…”

Prevalência de constipação intestinal na Síndrome de Down e associação com problemas de comportamento

“…Ainda sobre o tema foi encontrada revisão sistemática que avaliou a prevalência de constipação em pessoas com DI, apresentando altos índices de constipação. De 31 estudos selecionados pelos autores, 14 relataram taxas acima de 50% e 21 relataram taxas acima de 33% 20 , semelhante à encontrada no presente estudo dentre pessoas com SD (33,1%).…”