Fecal Incontinence: Prevalence, Severity, and Quality of Life Data from an Outpatient Gastroenterology Practice
2012

Fecal Incontinence: Prevalence, Severity, and Quality of Life Data

Sample size: 500 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Eva H. Alsheik, Thomas Coyne, Sara K. Hawes, Laleh Merikhi, Scott P. Naples, Nandhakumar Kanagarajan, James C. Reynolds, Scott E. Myers, Asyia S. Ahmad

Primary Institution: Drexel University College of Medicine

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that we could increase the identification of patients with fecal incontinence by direct questioning during a routine gastroenterology office visit.

Conclusion

Identifying and treating patients with loose stool is a potential strategy to improve quality of life in this patient population.

Supporting Evidence

  • 12% of patients reported fecal incontinence when directly asked, compared to only 2.4% in retrospective data.
  • Women with fecal incontinence had a significantly lower quality of life score than men.
  • Patients with loose/watery stools reported significantly lower quality of life scores compared to those with formed stools.

Takeaway

Doctors should ask patients directly about fecal incontinence to help identify more cases, which can lead to better treatment and improved quality of life.

Methodology

The study involved directly questioning 500 patients about fecal incontinence and reviewing 500 charts for retrospective data.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to patients' reluctance to report symptoms and varying levels of education affecting understanding.

Limitations

The study did not administer an overall quality of life questionnaire and lacked a strict definition for fecal incontinence.

Participant Demographics

The study included 500 patients, with 74% being women and an average age of 51.7 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.03

Confidence Interval

95% CI −0.68 to −0.36

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2012/947694

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