지역사회 노인의 변비로 인한 스트레스 및 영양상태가 변비에 미치는 영향

Effects of Stress due to Constipation and Nutritional Status on Degree of Constipation among Community-dwelling Elders

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the degree of constipation, stress due to constipation, nutritional status and factors affecting constipation among community-dwelling elders. Methods: The participants were 94 elders from G city. Data were collected from September 6 to 17, 2019. Self-report questionnaires were used to collect data on general characteristics, degree of constipation, stress due to constipation, and nutritional status. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Spearman correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The average degree of constipation was 3.48±3.52 points and 36 elders(38.3%) reported constipation. Factors influencing the degree of constipation were subjective recognition of constipation (β=2.87, p<.001), nutritional status(β=-0.28, p=.018), and stress due to constipation (β=0.26, p=.024). These variables explained 33.1% of the degree of constipation. Conclusion: More than 30% of elders reported constipation. Subjective recognition about constipation, stress due to constipation, and nutritional status influenced the degree of constipation. Management programs for constipation prevention and constipation interventions should be developed for community-dwelling elders so that they can assess constipation and recognize it as a health problem. Also, programs should include ways to manage stress due to constipation and maintain good nutritional status.