Epidemiology of constipation and its associated factors in an ageing population of people with an intellectual disability in Ireland: A cross-sectional study.

Background

Constipation impacts health-related quality of life with a burden similar to other chronic conditions. This study characterises the prevalence of constipation and its associated factors in older adults with intellectual disability.

Methods

Data from the Intellectual Disability Supplement of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing was analysed using bivariate and multivariate approaches.

Results

Constipation affected 43.5% of this cohort and was more common in females, those in residential settings, and those with a severe/profound level of intellectual disability. The type of residence, level of intellectual disability, a low fat diet, high cholesterol, multimorbidity and, physical activity predicted constipation status with 67.7% accuracy. Physical activity was associated with lower constipation prevalence, where minimal activity was sufficient to observe this effect.

Conclusions

Constipation is a common health concern in older people with intellectual disability. This analysis reveals characteristics that should inform the careful monitoring of bowel health in this population.