Prevalence of functional constipation and its associated factors among adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a population-based cross-sectional study

Constipation is a common bowel complaint in the general population that can negatively impact quality of life. Epidemiological data on constipation in Africa particularly in Tanzania is limited. We aimed to determine the prevalence of functional constipation (FC) and its associated factors among community-dwelling adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This was a population-based cross-sectional study, conducted among 784 adults aged ≥ 18 years, from September to November 2019 in Temeke, Dar es salaam, Tanzania. A multistage, cluster random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected at a household level using a structured questionnaire and a face-to-face interview. Rome IV diagnostic criteria were used to diagnose functional constipation. Data entry was done using EpiInfo version 7.2 (CDC, Georgia, USA) and analysed using Stata software 15.1 (StataCorp, Texas, USA). Logistic regression models were used to study the association between functional constipation and sociodemographic characteristics, diet, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and fluid intake. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Out of 784 participants, 98 (12.5%) met the Rome IV criteria for functional constipation. The prevalence of functional constipation was higher among females 76 (13.9%) than males 22 (9.2%) but the difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.650). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age 50–59 years (aOR, 2.73; 95%CI, 1.22–6.12; p = 0.015), 60 + years (aOR 3.30; 95%CI, 1.43–7.61; p < 0.01) and past cigarette smoking (aOR, 3.38; 95%CI, 1.14–10.04; p < 0.028) were independently associated with an increased risk of FC. Fluid intake 1–1.5L per day (aOR, 0.33; 95%CI, 0.13–0.85; p < 0.022) and more than 1.5L per day (aOR, 0.31; 95%CI, 0.13–0.76; p < 0.010) was significantly associated with decreased odds of having FC. The prevalence of constipation was relatively high in the general adult population in Temeke. Participants with old age and past cigarette smoking history were more likely to suffer from constipation while higher fluid intake was associated with lower odds of functional constipation.