The influence of risk factors on occurrence of constipation in palliative care patients

Constipation is one of the most frequent symptoms in palliative care patients, and remains significant therapeutic problem. Etiology of constipation is multifactorial. Amongst the causes, there are listed behavioral factors, such as decreased physical activity, insufficient food and fluid intake, insufficient intimacy, as well as dependency on a carer. The aim of this study was to assess correlation between the frequency of bowel movements and those factors. In the retrospective study in 237 patients, the evidence of such correlation has been confirmed for all of the factors listed above, especially for insufficient food and fluid intake. There has been indicated correlation between the frequency of bowel movements and patients performance status index. The results might be the evidence suitable for increasing credibility and strength of the recommendations of the Polish Society of Palliative Medicine regarding prophylaxis of constipation, particularly as to dietary indications.