Perceptions of the Role of Diet Among People With Constipation: Dietary Contributors and Relievers to Symptoms and Research Priorities.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diet is a potential management option for constipation; however, people's perceptions regarding its role and their dietary behaviours are unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of the role of diet in constipation, including dietary contributors and relievers of constipation symptoms, and the attitudes towards future dietary research in constipation, in people with self-reported constipation.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was completed by adults with self-reported constipation based in the United Kingdom. Participants responded to questions on constipation symptoms, perceptions of the role of diet in constipation, perceived dietary contributors and relievers, and future research priorities. For perceived contributors and relievers, the survey included a list of 143 foods/beverages to rate the perceived impact on constipation symptoms using a Likert scale.

RESULTS

Overall, 204 individuals (mean age 44 (SD 16.2) y, 91.7% female) completed the questionnaire. In total, 94% (184/204) of respondents believed diet plays an important role in constipation, and 88% (180/204) would prefer effective dietary options over medication for managing symptoms. The most frequently reported dietary relievers of constipation symptoms were prunes (85%), dates (71%), prune juice (70%) and beans (70%), while white bread (69%), refined sugary breakfast cereals (61%), processed red meat (60%) and cake (57%) were the most frequently reported contributors to constipation symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey highlights that most people with constipation believe diet is important for the management of constipation. Given the wide range of relievers and contributors, research on interventions that include whole dietary patterns is warranted.