Popis: |
Summary Background: Functional constipation has important psychological elements. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of functional constipation in an Asian population, and the interplay among functional constipation, anxiety/depression, perception and coping strategies. Methods: An interview of 3282 patients was made by telephone survey. Constipation was diagnosed by Rome II criteria. Coping ability and anxiety/depression were assessed by validated questionnaires. Results: Fourteen percent of the interviewees had constipation. Anxiety and depression scores were higher in constipated than in healthy subjects (P |