The Effects of a Constipation Prevention Program on Incidence and Severity of Constipation in Hospitalized Elderly undergoing Hip Surgery
Main Article Content
Abstract
Purpose: To examine the effects of constipation prevention program on incidence and severity ofconstipation in hospitalized elderly undergoing hip surgery.
Design: Quasi-experimental design.
Methods: The sample consisted of 60 hospitalized elderly undergoing hip surgery. The controlgroup (n = 30) received usual care, whilst the experimental group (n = 30) participated in a constipationprevention program. Data were collected by the following instruments: the daily defecation record form,the bowel pattern assessment form, and the constipation risk assessment form. Constipation wasevaluated by the frequency of defecation from the first to the fifth postoperative day, from 3 days beforesurgery to 5 days post operation, and the first day for defecation postoperatively, Data were analyzed byusing descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Independent t-test.
Main findings: The elderly who participated in the experimental group had statistically significantlower incidence of constipation postoperatively and less severity of constipation than those in thecontrol group (p < .01 and p < .05, respectively).
Conclusion and recommendations: The results indicated that the constipation preventionprogram for hospitalized elderly with hip surgery was effective in reducing the incidence and severity ofconstipation. The program should be recommended as a tool to improve quality of care for hospitalizedelderly who are at risk of developing constipation.
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