Evaluation of The Diagnosis of Constipation in Elderly Individuals Nursing Home Residents

Aim: This study was carried as a descriptive for the purpose of determining the incidence of the diagnosis of “constipation” and its characteristics in elderly nursing home residents.

Method: The sample of study included a total of 119 elderly. In collecting of the study’s data; It was used an evaluation form including descriptive characteristics and risk factors for “constipation” and “constipation risk” diagnosis.

Results: It was determined that elderly were mostly have problems such as straining with defecation (50.9%), severe flatus (45.7%) defining characteristics for “Constipation” diagnosis. In our study; it was determined that 97.5% of elderly have risk and defining characteristics for “Constipation” diagnosis.

Conclusion: Finally, nurses should obtain and evaluate detailed knowledge about defining characteristics or risk factors for constipation in the elderly who live in nursing home. The nurses need to be more diligent to determine the bowel movement habits of the elderly who live in these types of institutions. It is necessary to ensure that the elderly eat high fiber food, and they need to be encouraged to increase their fluid intake and participate regularly in exercise programs.