Health Education Program for Improving Quality of Life of Older Adults Suffering from Chronic Constipation

Background: Chronic constipation is a major global health problem affecting millions of people,
particularly in the older adults with significant impact on their quality of life and health expenses. Aim:
the aim of the present study is to evaluate the outcomes of health education program on improving
quality of life of older adults suffering from chronic constipation. Study Design: A quasi-experimental
design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted in geriatric homes situated within Cairo
Governorate which comprises twenty districts. Sampling: A multistage random sample technique chosen
25% from the total districts and purposive sample of 58 older adults with chronic constipation were
included, male and female aged ≥ 60 years old in this study. Tools: Three tools were used for data
collection. First Tool: An interviewing questionnaire for older adults with chronic constipation including
six parts: Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for Assessment Chronic Constipation and Mini Mental status test
were used as initial measure to screen participants for inclusion criteria, socio-demographic
characteristics, past and present medical history, assessment of older adults awareness regarding chronic
constipation, Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM), and Patient Assessment of
Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). Second Tool: lifestyle practices questionnaire for older adults
with chronic constipation include two parts; Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSF) and Aspects of Lifestyle
Health Practices. Third tool: Observation Check List for assessment geriatric home environment.
Results: The study revealed that more than three quarters of the older adults had satisfactory level of
awareness about chronic constipation post program implementation. The Total Score of PAC-SYM and
subscale (Abdominal, Rectal and Stool symptoms) reached highly statistically significance difference.
The Total Score of the PAC-QOL and subscale (Physical discomfort, Psychosocial discomfort, Worries
& concerns, and Satisfaction) reached highly statistically significance between score pre/post
implementation of the health educational program.Conclusion:The health education program reported
remarkable improvement in older adult’s awareness, decreased the severity of constipation symptoms,
improved discomfort able subscales of quality of life and raised satisfaction subscales through lifestyles
practices modifications post health education program. Recommendations: Raising public awareness
through educational campaigns and mass media about healthy lifestyle for older adults in the geriatric
homes to improve their quality of life toward chronic constipation.