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Prevalence and Determinants of Constipation in Community-Dwelling Adult Women in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study

par Nzinga Luzolo, Andy-Muller ;Reman, Tara ;Mukwege, Denis ;Miangindula, Bernadette Mabenza;Bertuit, Jeanne ;Feipel, Véronique
Référence International urogynecology journal, 16, 100098
Publication Publié, 2025-12

Article révisé par les pairs

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Abstract Introduction and hypothesis Constipation is one of the most frequent functional gastrointestinal dysfunctions, with a negative impact on women’s quality of life. There are currently no epidemiological data on the magnitude of constipation among adult women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). To determine the prevalence of constipation among adult women in the DRC and to identify the risk factors associated with it. Methods This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted from 2021–2023 among 516 adult women (≥18 years) in six provinces of the DRC. A multistage, geographically and ethnolinguistically stratified sampling approach was used. Pregnant or postpartum women ≤ 6 months, survivors of sexual violence and those with anorectal and rectovaginal fistulas were excluded. The diagnosis of constipation was made for a score of ≥ 11 on the KESS constipation questionnaire. Pelvic floor muscles were assessed according to the PERFECT scheme. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors. Results The prevalence of constipation was 16.1% (95% CI 13.1–19.6%), with a higher prevalence observed among women over the age of 50. Hard stool consistency and difficult, painful evacuating were the most common suggestive symptoms encountered in constipated women ( p  < 0.001). Constipation negatively affected sexual quality of life ( p  < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, lower mental health scores of life quality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.98; 95% CI 0.97–0.99) and belonging to the Baluba ethnolinguistic group (aOR 0.31; 95% CI 0.13–0.68) were protective factors against. Conclusion Constipation is a non-negligible health concern among adult women in the DRC.