Prevalence of constipation in the German population – a representative survey (GECCO). Issue 3 (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Enck, Paul; Leinert, Johannes; Smid, Menno; Köhler, Thorsten; Schwille-Kiuntke, Juliane
• Is Part Of: United European Gastroenterology journal. Volume 4:Issue 3(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 429
• Page End: 437
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Constipation -- prevalence -- epidemiology -- general population; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1177/2050640615603009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-6406

Abstract

Background: Variable prevalence rates between 2.4 and 35% have been reported for chronic constipation across different countries worldwide, with a low 5% for Germany. Objectives and methods: We conducted a computer-assisted telephone interview among 15, 002 representative individuals in Germany, asking about health-related problems, including constipation. Those who acknowledged the presence of constipation symptoms during the preceding 12 months were questioned concerning constipation features and sociographic variables. Results: Of 15, 002 individuals interviewed, 2, 239 (14.9%) acknowledged having experienced constipation during the last 12 months, 864 (5.8%) reported constipation during the last 4 weeks, and 380 (2.5%) had current constipation symptoms; 4.4% had taken medication because of their constipation, and 2.6% had consulted a doctor for constipation. In comparison to non-constipated volunteers, those constipated had a lower health quality of life and poorer health, and lower income and social status. Conclusion: Up to 15% of the general (German) population report symptoms of constipation depending on the definition. This matches pooled constipation rates across 18 countries (14%).