Depressive Symptoms, Dietary Patterns and Other Factors Associated with Constipation in Middle-Aged Adults from Kielce District in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study explores how depression, diet, and lifestyle factors are linked to constipation in middle-aged adults in Poland.

Contribution

The study identifies new associations between depressive symptoms, dietary patterns, and constipation in a large community sample.

Findings

Moderate and severe depressive symptoms are linked to constipation.

A diet high in vegetables and carbohydrates is associated with lower constipation risk.

High physical activity reduces constipation risk in those with unhealthy diets.

Abstract

Background: Many factors associated with constipation have not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with constipation, defined as low stool frequency, in a community-dwelling adult population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between 2010 and 2012 among adults who live in the Kielce District of Poland. The participants comprised 11,488 persons aged 37–66 years. Data on depressive symptoms, eating frequency, physical activity and smoking, as well as sociodemographic data, were collected using face-to-face interviews. Constipation was defined as < 3 defecations per week. Dietary patterns (DPs) were identified using a factor analysis. Associations between DPs and the likelihood of constipation were assessed using a logistic regression analysis. Results: The factors associated with constipation were moderate and severe depressive symptoms, regular use of antidepressants, a sedentary lifestyle and past smoking (in women) (all p < 0.05). The likelihood of constipation was significantly decreased by male sex and obesity, as well as by a diet belonging to the highest terciles of the ‘Carbohydrates’, ‘Vegetables and Meat’ and ‘Healthy’ DPs (all p < 0.05). For the ‘Unhealthy’ DP, a high level of physical activity (Q4 vs. Q1 of MVPA) decreased the likelihood of constipation (OR = 0.75; 95%CI: 0.57–0.99). Conclusions: Preventing the onset or reoccurrence of depression by improving one’s mental resistance, reducing the risk factors for depression and promoting a healthy lifestyle, primarily a diet high in vegetables and a limited sitting time, reduces the risk of constipation. Further longitudinal studies are needed to better understand which factors are associated with the occurrence of constipation.

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