E-ISSN 2231-3206 | ISSN 2320-4672
 

Original Research

Online Publishing Date:
13 / 05 / 2021

 


Association of gender, physical activity, and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation

Sajitha N, Beena Kumari.


Abstract
Background: Studies have shown that regular physical exercise and adequate fluid intake help to regularize bowel function and reduce the risk of constipation. Female gender has also been associated with increased prevalence of constipation. However, there are few studies regarding bowel habits in India, especially among youngsters regarding bowel habits.

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the association of gender, physical activity and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation, among medical students at a tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted among 591 participants. Details were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Questions regarding bowel habits and subjective bowel symptoms were based on based on Bristol Stool Chart and Rome III criteria. Descriptive analysis was done for the stool pattern and symptom status.

Results: The predominant stool type among participants was found to be Bristol type 3 stool (sausage shaped stools with cracks on the surface) and stool frequency was 7–14 times/week. 196 of the participants reported symptoms related to constipation. Sedentary lifestyle was significantly associated with the symptoms of, frequent (≥25% times) straining (P = 0.003) and incomplete evacuation of stool (P = 0.043). Consumption of <8 glasses of water was also significantly associated with the symptoms of frequent straining (P < 0.001) abdominal distension (P = 0.010) and incomplete evacuation (P = 0.011). However, gender was not associated with stool form or constipation.

Conclusion: Hence, it could be stated that moderate physical activity and drinking adequate amount water, (≥8 glasses) will help to regularize bowel habits and reduce the symptoms of constipation.

Key words: Constipation; Fluid Intake; Exercise; Gender


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

N S, Kumari B. Association of gender, physical activity, and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2021; 11(6): 657-661. doi:10.5455/njppp.2021.11.04122202103052021


Web Style

N S, Kumari B. Association of gender, physical activity, and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation. https://www.njppp.com/?mno=75021 [Access: March 14, 2024]. doi:10.5455/njppp.2021.11.04122202103052021


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

N S, Kumari B. Association of gender, physical activity, and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2021; 11(6): 657-661. doi:10.5455/njppp.2021.11.04122202103052021



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

N S, Kumari B. Association of gender, physical activity, and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. (2021), [cited March 14, 2024]; 11(6): 657-661. doi:10.5455/njppp.2021.11.04122202103052021



Harvard Style

N, S. & Kumari, . B. (2021) Association of gender, physical activity, and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol, 11 (6), 657-661. doi:10.5455/njppp.2021.11.04122202103052021



Turabian Style

N, Sajitha, and Beena Kumari. 2021. Association of gender, physical activity, and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 11 (6), 657-661. doi:10.5455/njppp.2021.11.04122202103052021



Chicago Style

N, Sajitha, and Beena Kumari. "Association of gender, physical activity, and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation." National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology 11 (2021), 657-661. doi:10.5455/njppp.2021.11.04122202103052021



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

N, Sajitha, and Beena Kumari. "Association of gender, physical activity, and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation." National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology 11.6 (2021), 657-661. Print. doi:10.5455/njppp.2021.11.04122202103052021



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

N, S. & Kumari, . B. (2021) Association of gender, physical activity, and fluid intake with bowel habits and symptoms of constipation. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 11 (6), 657-661. doi:10.5455/njppp.2021.11.04122202103052021