Clinico-Epidemiological Spectrum of Constipation Patients at a Tertiary Care Center in Ajman, UAE – A Descriptive 5 year data analysis
1
MBBS Program, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, United Arab Emirates
2
Graduate Entry MD Program, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, United Arab Emirates
3
MPH Program, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, United Arab Emirates
4
College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, United Arab Emirates
5
Thumbay Institute of Population Health, Gulf Medical University, United Arab Emirates
6
Consultant General Surgeon, Department of Surgery, Thumbay University Hospital, United Arab Emirates
7
Specialist Gastroenterologist, Department of Internal medicine, Thumbay University Hospital, United Arab Emirates
8
PhD Public Health Student, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
9
Faculty (PT), College of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, United Arab Emirates
10
Faculty, Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, United Arab Emirates
Submission date: 2025-11-30
Acceptance date: 2026-02-15
Publication date: 2026-03-30
Corresponding author
Jayakumary Muttappallymyalil
Thumbay Institute of Population Health, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Thumbay Institute of Population Health, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Wiadomości Lekarskie 2026;(3):482-490
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Aim:
This research aims to assess the clinical and epidemiological profile of elderly patients reported to a tertiary care centre in Ajman, UAE.
Material and methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional review of electronic medical records was conducted for patients diagnosed with constipation between January 2020 and July 2025. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, functional status, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, gastrointestinal history, and treatment outcomes were extracted using a structured proforma. Descriptive statistics were applied.
Results:
Eighty elderly patients were included, predominantly male (71.3%) and aged 60–69 years (78.8%). Abnormal BMI was present in 76.3%. Chronic symptoms were common, with 52.5% reporting constipation ≥3 months and 47.5% >6 months. Low fluid intake (66.3%), low dietary fiber intake (67.5%), and sedentary lifestyle (62.5%) were highly prevalent. Cardiometabolic comorbidities were frequent, including hypertension (68.8%), diabetes mellitus (65.0%), and hypercholesterolemia (63.7%). Only 38.8% achieved good therapeutic response, while 61.3% had poor or partial improvement.
Conclusions:
Constipation in elderly patients at this tertiary center represents a persistent, multifactorial condition requiring comprehensive, individualized, and lifestyle-integrated management strategies to improve outcomes.
This research aims to assess the clinical and epidemiological profile of elderly patients reported to a tertiary care centre in Ajman, UAE.
Material and methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional review of electronic medical records was conducted for patients diagnosed with constipation between January 2020 and July 2025. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, functional status, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, gastrointestinal history, and treatment outcomes were extracted using a structured proforma. Descriptive statistics were applied.
Results:
Eighty elderly patients were included, predominantly male (71.3%) and aged 60–69 years (78.8%). Abnormal BMI was present in 76.3%. Chronic symptoms were common, with 52.5% reporting constipation ≥3 months and 47.5% >6 months. Low fluid intake (66.3%), low dietary fiber intake (67.5%), and sedentary lifestyle (62.5%) were highly prevalent. Cardiometabolic comorbidities were frequent, including hypertension (68.8%), diabetes mellitus (65.0%), and hypercholesterolemia (63.7%). Only 38.8% achieved good therapeutic response, while 61.3% had poor or partial improvement.
Conclusions:
Constipation in elderly patients at this tertiary center represents a persistent, multifactorial condition requiring comprehensive, individualized, and lifestyle-integrated management strategies to improve outcomes.
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| eISSN: | 2719-342X |
| ISSN: | 0043-5147 |
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