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Constipation pp 1–8Cite as

Definitions and Epidemiology of Constipation

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Conclusion

The epidemiology of constipation demonstrates a consistent pattern with several key points. No true population-based incidence or natural history studies have been published to date. The prevalence of constipation ranges from 3% to 27%, averaging approximately 15%, the variance resulting from differing case definitions of constipation and the effects of varying ascertainment methods. Constipation increases progressively with age, and this increase is particularly marked after the age of 65 years. It is twice as common in females than males and is also more common in nonwhites than whites, although the distribution by race is less consistent than the distributions by age or gender. Constipation is also more common among those with lower socioeconomic status and education levels.

Constipation demonstrates a distinct geographic distribution, being more common in rural states, northern or mountainous states, and poorer states. The unique geographic pattern of constipation seems to suggest the influence of three global environmental factors: rural living, colder temperatures, and lower socioeconomic status. Finally, constipation is more common among patients with a wide variety of neurologic diseases, indicating the possibility of a shared environmental risk factor.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rockford Gastroenterology Associates, Ltd., Rockford, IL, USA

    John F. Johanson MD, MSc

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA

    Steven D. Wexner MD, FACS, FRCS, FRCS (Ed) (21st Century Oncology Chair in Colorectal Surgery Chairman, Department of Colorectal Surgery Chief of Staff, Professor of Surgery and Clinical Professor of Surgery) (21st Century Oncology Chair in Colorectal Surgery Chairman, Department of Colorectal Surgery Chief of Staff, Professor of Surgery and Clinical Professor of Surgery)

  2. Ohio State University Health Sciences Center at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Columbus, OH, USA

    Steven D. Wexner MD, FACS, FRCS, FRCS (Ed) (21st Century Oncology Chair in Colorectal Surgery Chairman, Department of Colorectal Surgery Chief of Staff, Professor of Surgery and Clinical Professor of Surgery) (21st Century Oncology Chair in Colorectal Surgery Chairman, Department of Colorectal Surgery Chief of Staff, Professor of Surgery and Clinical Professor of Surgery)

  3. University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA

    Steven D. Wexner MD, FACS, FRCS, FRCS (Ed) (21st Century Oncology Chair in Colorectal Surgery Chairman, Department of Colorectal Surgery Chief of Staff, Professor of Surgery and Clinical Professor of Surgery) (21st Century Oncology Chair in Colorectal Surgery Chairman, Department of Colorectal Surgery Chief of Staff, Professor of Surgery and Clinical Professor of Surgery)

  4. Charles E. Schmitt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA

    Steven D. Wexner MD, FACS, FRCS, FRCS (Ed) (21st Century Oncology Chair in Colorectal Surgery Chairman, Department of Colorectal Surgery Chief of Staff, Professor of Surgery and Clinical Professor of Surgery) (21st Century Oncology Chair in Colorectal Surgery Chairman, Department of Colorectal Surgery Chief of Staff, Professor of Surgery and Clinical Professor of Surgery)

  5. University of Hull, Cattingham, UK

    Graeme S. Duthie MD, FRCS, FRCSEd (Reader in Surgery and Honorary Consultant Colorectal Surgeon) (Reader in Surgery and Honorary Consultant Colorectal Surgeon)

  6. Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, UK

    Graeme S. Duthie MD, FRCS, FRCSEd (Reader in Surgery and Honorary Consultant Colorectal Surgeon) (Reader in Surgery and Honorary Consultant Colorectal Surgeon)

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© 2006 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Johanson, J.F. (2006). Definitions and Epidemiology of Constipation. In: Wexner, S.D., Duthie, G.S. (eds) Constipation. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-275-1_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-275-1_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-85233-724-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84628-275-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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