Correlation of bowel habits with physical activity and fibre intake

Nurulhuda PENGIRAN MUSA ¹, Salim FREDERICK ¹, Vui Heng CHONG ²

¹ PAPRSB Institute of Health Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and ² Department of Medicine, RIPAS Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Bowel habits vary depending on many factors that include diet and physical activity. Physical inactivity and lack of fibre can contribute to constipation. This cross-sectional study assessed the common frequency of bowel habits, the prevalence of diarrhoea, and constipation based on the ROME III criteria in Brunei Darussalam. This study also determined the level of physical activity and fibre intake on bowel habits. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire used was adapted from validated questionnaires and enquired on general demographic, bowel habit patterns, estimated dietary fibre intake, level of physical activities and also other gastrointestinal symptoms experienced. Results: Three hundred individuals participated in this study. The most common frequency of bowel movement was once per day (47.3%). The prevalence of constipation and diarrhoea were 15% (95% Confidence interval [CI]: 11.0-19.0) and 6% (95% CI: 3.0-8.0) respectively. There were no significant difference between the genders for constipation (male, 12.2% and female, 16.4% p=ns) and diarrhoea (male, 6.5% and female, 6.1%, p=ns). Among the racial groups, constipation was reported by 14.2% of Malays and 28.0% of others group compared to 8.6% of Chinese; whereas diarrhoea was reported by 6.7% of Malays and 1.7% of the others group. There was no association between level of physical activity and constipation. Although not significant, there was a correlation with fibre intake and constipation but not with diarrhoea. Conclusion: This study showed that constipation is more common the diarrhoea, and there was no significant correlation between the level physical activity with constipation. There was a correlation of fibre intake with constipation but not with diarrhoea.

Keywords: Bowel habit, constipation, diarrhoea, fibre, physical activities

Correspondence: Vui Heng CHONG. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,  Department of Medicine, RIPAS Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. Tel: +673 2242424 Ext 5233

Brunei Int Med J. 2013; 9 (6): 358-365