Authors (including presenting author) :
Mo KC(1), Cheng PY(2), Mak KP(3), Lo WK(4), Lam MY(5), Lau FO(6)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department,North District Hospital, (2)Occupational Safety & Health,Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital & Tai Po Hospital, (3)Department of Medicine & Geriatrics,Tai Po Hospital, (4)Dietetics Department,Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital & Tai Po Hospital, (5)Department of Orthopaedic Rehabilitation,Tai Po Hospital, (6)Physiotherapy Department,Tai Po Hospital
Introduction :
Prevention is better than cure! In general population, the prevalence of chronic constipation ranged between 2% and 27%. Some healthcare professions work in irregular hours or shift, and with certain degree of occupational stress, adverse physical reactions may be caused, including constipation.
To raise the awareness of healthy bowel, a multidisciplinary health promotion program was initiated by Physiotherapists and different professionals in a local rehab hospital.
Objectives :
To investigate the prevalence of functional constipation among healthcare workers.
Methodology :
The campaign consisted of two phases, 1.Education roadshow; 2.Workshop, by Doctor, Physiotherapist, Nurse and Dietitian.
Questionnaires on participants’ bowel frequency, Bristol Stool Scale and presentation of symptoms in Rome III diagnostic criterion for functional constipation were distributed in roadshow, data was collected and analyzed.
Result & Outcome :
In phase 1, 232 questionnaires returned. 214 (92.2%) of them able to have healthy bowel frequency(3 times per day to once per 3 days). 158(68.1%) of them able to pass stool with optimal form (form 3 to 5 in Bristol Stool Scale). The most common symptoms of constipation presented were straining during defecation and sensation of incomplete evacuation. 10(4.8%) of them fit the Rome III diagnostic criterion of functional constipation, which is similar to the general population prevalence. No correlation was found between constipation and shift working(p=0.053) or clinical working(p=0.748). The limitations of our study including 194(83.6%) return were female and return of questionnaires were voluntary-based.
In phase 2, 20 high-risk colleagues, who answered the questionnaire in phase 1 with symptoms of functional constipation, joined the 1-hour workshop. Doctor in the organizing team shared on the causes and medical management of constipation, nurse shared on the nursing management of constipation, Dietitian shared on the importance of fiber and water intake and Physiotherapist shared on the importance on posture, activities and massage.
To conclude, prevalence of constipation among healthcare workers was similar to general population, it is still worth to promote healthy bowel to prevent constipation.
