Journal article
Survey of laxative use by adults with self-defined constipation in South America and Asia: A comparison of six countries
A Wald, S Mueller-Lissner, MA Kamm, U Hinkel, E Richter, C Schuijt, KG Mandel
Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics | WILEY-BLACKWELL | Published : 2010
Abstract
Background In contrast to the US and Europe, prevalence and laxative use for self-defined constipation among adults was previously reported to be unassociated with age among adults in South Korea and Brazil. Aim To determine whether observations in South Korea and Brazil are reflective of other Asian and South American countries. Methods A total of 8100 adults from Argentina, Colombia, Indonesia and China completed a questionnaire identical to that previously used in South Korea and Brazil. Results Prevalence of constipation was similar to that reported for Brazil and South Korea and was 2.17-fold (95% CI: 1.71-2.64) higher amongst women than amongst men. Prevalence increased with age amongs..
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Funding Acknowledgements
Declaration of personal interests: A. Wald, S. Mueller-Lissner, M. A. Kamm and K. G. Mandel have served as speakers, consultants or as advisory board members for Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. U. Hinkel is an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, a company which manufactures laxatives. At the time of this study, C. Schuijt was also employed at Boehringer Ingelheim. We thank C Scarpignato for his support in this project. Authors'contributions: A. Wald, S. Mueller-Lissner, M. A. Kamm: Input to study design, data analysis, manuscript review. U. Hinkel: Data analysis, manuscript review. E. Richter: Statistical analysis. C. Schuijt: Design of study and protocol, data analysis, manuscript review. K.G. Mandel: Data analysis, manuscript writing and review. Declaration of funding interests: This study was funded in full by Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH.