The Evaluation of Functional Constipation in Patients Who Receive Hemodialysis Treatment: Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate functional constipation and its associated factors in patients receiving hemodialysis. Material and Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design, involving individuals who met the inclusion criteria in the hemodialysis unit of a district government hospital. Necessary institutional approvals were obtained prior to data collection. Data were collected between October-November using the participant information form, Constipation Severity Index, and the Bristol Stool Scale form. The data were analyzed using the Student's t-test, MannWhitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 60 hemodialysis patients were analyzed in the study. It was determined that 38.3% of the patients were 66 years of age and older, and 51.7% were female. According to the Bristol Stool Scale, it was determined that 28.4% of the patients had constipation problems and the mean total Constipation Severity Scale score was 23.7±13.5. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between patients reporting constipation-related symptoms and the total score of the Constipation Severity Scale (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that patients receiving hemodialysis treatment experienced constipation problems and that there was a relationship between constipation symptoms and the total score of the Constipation Severity Scale. These results indicate that hemodialysis patients face an increased risk of functional constipation. In this context, it should not be forgotten that constipation management is an integral part of care in hemodialysis patients.