Constipation among women healthcare professionals working at the University Clinics of Kinshasa: prevalence, habitus, and risk factors

Authors Andy-Muller Luzolo Nzinga 1, 2 Madeleine NTUMBA 1 Boniface KAMANGA 1 François NJIMBU 1 Jeanne Bertuit 3, 4 Véronique Feipel 2, 4 1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. 2 Laboratory of Functional Anatomy - Faculty of Motor Sciences – Université Libre de Bruxelles - Brussels, Belgium. 3 School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)- Lausanne, Switzerland. 4 Laboratory of Anatomy, Biomechanics and Organogenesis - Faculty of Medicine – Université Libre de Bruxelles - Brussels, Belgium. 10.21608/ajgh.2025.370974.1079 Abstract Objective: The aim is to assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of constipation, as well as the lifestyle habits of women in healthcare professions, to improve the management of this health condition. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 3 to April 3, 2024, among 100 women healthcare professionals working at the University Clinics of Kinshasa. They were women aged 18 years and older, either employed or in training, in apparently good health, and who had given their consent to participate. The questionnaire contained data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, lifestyle habits, and two validated scales: the Bristol Scale and the Knowles, Eckersley, and Scott Symptom Scale (KESS). Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests were used for comparisons. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing constipation. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The prevalence of constipation was 44% according to the KESS and 43% according to the Bristol scale. Constipated women were more likely to adopt an improper defecation position (p=0.005) and were less likely to have a bowel movement when they felt the urge or at set times (p<0.001). They used institutional toilets less frequently (p<0.001). They drank less water (p < 0.001) and did not engage in physical activity (p = 0.037). In the multivariate analysis, delaying bowel movements when the urge was felt (aOR: 209.6) and an increased daily water intake (aOR: 0.42) were identified as predictive factors of constipation. Conclusion: Constipation was common among these women. They had poor defecatory and dietary habits, which influenced constipation.