Prevalence, Pattern, Knowledge and Management of Constipation among Madonna University Students, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria

Functional constipation (FC) is a common bowel disorder that prevails worldwide and is a significant health problem among adolescent Nigerians. This study aimed at determining the Prevalence, Patterns, Knowledge, and Management of constipation among undergraduate students of Madonna University Elele (MUE), Rivers State, Nigeria. It was a cross-sectional survey of apparently healthy undergraduate students of MUE in the faculties of Pharmacy, Nursing and Medicine selected via multistage random sampling using a descriptive cross-sectional research design involving self-administered, validated, semi-structured questionnaire that addressed the study objectives. A total of 400 consenting regular students were used . The data generated were coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The prevalence of constipation was highest among nursing students (64.4%) followed by pharmacy students (52.8%) and least among Medical students (49.2%). Visiting the toilet twice a week was reported by (22.2%), (17.3%) and (20.5%) by pharmacy , nursing and medical students respectively. Level of awareness was 97%.. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in knowledge of constipation being “a problem of passing fewer than three stool a week” among the respondents. Regarding knowledge of symptoms, over 60% of respondents identified “Fewer than three stools a week” (P>0.05). “Not eating enough fiber” was reported to be a major cause of constipation. “Adding fruits and vegetables, whole grains and other high fiber foods to diet” was reported as a major countermeasure for constipation. Self-medication was most prevalent among pharmacy students. To manage constipation, Pharmacy students were found to “visit pharmacy” most frequently (27.8%); nursing students used “herbal drugs” most frequently (20.2%) . The uses of laxatives and Stool softeners were rated as “always effective” by pharmacy students.. The most common adverse effects reported as “always occurring” were “Farting” (44.9%) and “Diarrhea” (41.4%) . There were significant associations between Gender, Age and level of study with level of awareness/knowledge; level of study and Age were also correlated with management, drug treatment, effectiveness and adverse effects there were significant associations between level of awareness / knowledge and prevalence and management of constipation. There were notable gaps in awareness, knowledge and management of constipation among respondents requiring appropriate strategic educational intervention.