Epidemiology

Chronic constipation imposes a substantial burden on healthcare resources and reduces mental and physical quality of life.[10][11]​​ Worldwide prevalence of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults is about 10% to 15%, but reported rates vary widely from 0.2% to 30.7%.[12][13]​​​ In a large multinational survey, the prevalence of Rome IV functional constipation was 7.9% in the US and 8.6% in the UK.[11]

The natural history of chronic constipation is not well understood; although, in one study, 89% had similar symptoms when surveyed on two separate occasions over 12-20 months and, in another, 45% of people interviewed reported this condition for ≥5 years.​[14][15]​​​

Constipation is about twice as common in women as in men.[11][12][16]​​​​​​​​ Data for other demographic and socio-economic associations are less clear.[17] Prevalence of constipation is thought to increase with advancing age, although some systematic reviews have reported conflicting data or lack of association.[12][13]​​​​[17][18]​​​​ Other factors that may be associated with constipation include race/ethnicity (some studies report higher prevalence in black people), lower socio-economic status, and rural versus urban residence.[2][17]​​​​​

Chronic constipation is frequently associated with other functional gastrointestinal motility disorders, including dyspepsia, GERD, and nausea/vomiting.[17][19]​​​​​ A variety of other conditions have also been associated with constipation, including diabetes, depression and anxiety, and Parkinson's disease.[17][19]​​​​ Pregnancy is also associated with higher prevalence of constipation (about 20% to 40%).[20][21][22]​​

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