The correlation between medical students’ bowel habits and chronic constipation

Abstract

Aims: Constipation is one of the most common complaints of the digestive system. The prevalence of constipation in the general population is approximately 15%. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of constipation in medical students, their defecation habits and the correlation between the two.
 Methods: The study was conducted between 1 January and 1 June 2019 through questionnaires. The relationship between individuals’ defecation habits and chronic constipation was investigated within the scope of the study. Data on age, sex, constipation status, change in bowel habits within the last three months, defecation frequency, time of daily defecation, period spent in the toilet, reading in the toilet, and the type of toilet used were collected.
 Results: 425 medical students were included in the study. 2.86% of the students reporting constipation were first year undergraduates in medical school, while 7.53% were third and 9.09% were sixth year students. Irregular defecation was higher in all groups. The rate of constipation was high in groups with irregular defecation. It was observed that those with regular defecation habits defecated more in the mornings. When the time spent for defecation was studied, it was seen that it was mostly less than 10 minutes. 
 Conclusion: In the younger population the incidence of constipation is lower compared to the elderly population. Bowel habits, however, vary according to societies and personal characteristics. Reading in the toilet has become a common habit among the younger population. Reading in the toilet elongates the time spent in the toilet.