Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Functional constipation is a frequently reported gastrointestinal condition that can negatively influence overall health and daily well-being. However, information regarding its prevalence and associated determinants among Indian adults remains limited. The present investigation aimed to estimate the prevalence of functional constipation and examine its association with selected demographic and socioeconomic variables using the Rome IV diagnostic criteria. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 adults aged 20–60 years residing in Pantnagar and nearby areas of Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand. Data related to gender, age, marital status, education, occupation, and socioeconomic status were collected using a structured questionnaire. Functional constipation was assessed according to Rome IV criteria, and the occurrence of individual symptoms among affected participants was documented. The association between constipation and selected variables was analyzed using the chi-square test. The overall prevalence of functional constipation was found to be 15.5%. A significantly higher proportion was observed among females (17.6%) compared with males (7.3%) (p = 0.022). However, no significant association was observed with age (p = 0.170), education level (p = 0.151), or socioeconomic status (p = 0.872). Among individuals experiencing constipation, the most frequently reported symptoms included a feeling of incomplete evacuation (96.77%), straining during defecation (91.94%), and sensation of anorectal blockage (79.03%). These findings suggest that functional constipation occurs at a moderate level in the population studied and is more common among women, emphasizing the importance of early detection and appropriate dietary and lifestyle management.