Functional Constipation in the General Population in Cotonou: Prevalence and Associated Socio-Demographic Factors

Abstract

Background: Constipation is considered rare in sub-Saharan Africa because of the high fiber content of the local diet. However, certain factors could intervene in this pathology. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of constipation in the general population in Cotonou and to determine the associated socio-demographic factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study conducted from July to August 2017 in 7 districts of the township of Cotonou, according to a cluster sampling. We included anyone over the age of 15 living in the city of Cotonou for at least 6 months. Constipation was either self-reported or functional (meeting the Rome IV criteria). Results: A total of 1058 participants were included: 574 men (sex ratio of 1.2), mean age of 29 years [range 15 - 92]. Self-reported constipation was noted in 512 patients (48.5%). It was functional in 256 cases (24.2%). In the latter category, there was a predominance of women (138, 53.9%), of secondary education (46.5%), of self-employed professionals (50.4%), from the Ouémé-Plateau (41.8%). Were associated with the occurrence of functional constipation (univariate analysis), age ≥ 60 years (p = 0.049), female gender (p = 0.003), and subjects living alone (166, 64.8%) vs. those living in a relationship (90, 35.2%, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Constipation was not as rare in Cotonou. It was more common in women, subjects over 60 years old or living alone.