Background: Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders and can affect many aspects of life. The prevalence of constipation varies across the world. Due to the lack of information in the Makkah region, we aim to determine the prevalence of constipation and its risk factor.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults between the ages 18 and 80 years who live in the Makkah Region, using an online questionnaire, ROME IV criteria were used to assess the potential of having constipation.
Results: 513 participants were enrolled in the study, 290 (56.5%) males and 223 (43.5%) females, with a median age of 29.5 years. The prevalence of constipation was (22.0%) 113 participants. Most of the participants had normal weight and were nonsmokers. Regarding risk factors, consuming less fiber, and stress were significant risk factors (p < 0.05); however, doing less exercise or consuming more spicy food had no significant association regarding constipation.
Conclusion: The study showed that constipation prevalence is 22%, which is relatively high. Consumption of more fibers and methods to relief stress is recommended to lower the prevalence of constipation in this population.
Key words: Prevalence, risk factors, constipation, Saudi Arabia, Makkah
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