THE CURRENT SITUATION OF CONSTIPATION AND SOME RELATED FACTORS AMONG STUDENTS OF THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objectives: Describe the current status of constipation in students of Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy; Analyze some factors related to constipation in this group of students.
Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study on 776 students from year 1 to year 6, conducted from January to November 2025. Constipation was determined according to the ROME IV criteria, and stool characteristics were assessed using the Bristol scale. Demographic, dietary, lifestyle, and psychological information were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0.
Results: The constipation rate among students was 7.0%. Many related factors were statistically significant, including: family history of constipation (64.8%), low fiber intake (77.8%), low physical activity (68.5%), sleep ≤ 6 hours/day (55.6%), and stress (81.5%) (p < 0.05). Demographic characteristics, such as age group (21–25), field of study, and living in a dormitory, also significantly affected the risk of constipation. No significant difference was noted between men and women.
Conclusion: The rate of constipation in students is not high but is clearly influenced by lifestyle factors, especially diet, exercise, sleep, and stress.
Article Details
Keywords
Constipation, student, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy
References
2. Suares N. C., Ford A. C. (2011). Prevalence of, and risk factors for, chronic idiopathic constipation in the community: systematic review and meta-analysis, Am J Gastroenterol, 106(9), pp. 1582-1591; quiz 1581, 1592.
3. Anh Lê Quốc, Phước Nguyễn Thiện (2023). Khảo sát đặc điểm táo bón chức năng và nhu cầu điều trị bằng Y học cổ truyền của sinh viên trường đại học y dược, Đại học Huế, Tạp chí y dược Huế, 7(13), pp. 59-65.
4. Anh Võ Loan, Trầm Tạ Văn, Đức Võ Hữu (2018). Tỉ lệ táo bón mạn chức năng và các yếu tố liên quan ở trẻ đến khám tại bệnh viện đa khoa trung tâm Tiền Giang, Tạp chí Y học TP Hồ Chí Minh, 22(4), pp. 61-68.
5. Yến Nguyễn Thị Hoàng, Oanh Trần Thị Hoàng (2021). Táo bón và một số yếu tố liên quan ở người bệnh tại khoa Nội lão - Bệnh viện C Đà Nẵng, Tạp chí y học lâm sàng, 68, pp. 62-68.
6. Hào Nguyễn Thị, Đức Dương Minh, Tuấn Nguyễn Anh, et al (2024). Tình trạng táo bón và các yếu tố liên quan ở người bệnh tại Phòng Hồi sức tích cực, Khoa Nội – Hồi sức Thần kinh, Bệnh viện Hữu Nghị Việt Đức năm 2023, Tạp chí thần kinh học, 41, pp. 23-31.
7. Markland A. D., Palsson O., Goode P. S., et al (2013). Association of low dietary intake of fiber and liquids with constipation: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Am J Gastroenterol, 108(5), pp. 796-803.
8. Bharucha A. E., Pemberton J. H., Locke G. R., 3rd (2013). American Gastroenterological Association technical review on constipation, Gastroenterology, 144(1), pp. 218-238.
9. Belsey J., Greenfield S., Candy D., et al (2010). Systematic review: impact of constipation on quality of life in adults and children, Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 31(9), pp. 938-949.