Significance of Rome II-defined functional constipation in Taiwan and comparison with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Background: The epidemiology and impact of functional constipation on Asians remain unclear. Aim: To determine the prevalence of functional constipation, its social/medical impact, and its distinction from constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (C-IBS) in Taiwan. Methods: A Rome II questionnaire was administered to an apparently healthy adult Chinese population (n = 2865). Results: The prevalence of functional constipation was 8.5% and it was 2.7% for C-IBS. The functional constipation subjects were predominantly female and had excessive gastrointestinal-related doctor visits, absenteeism and sleep disturbance compared with controls (P < 0.01). Among functional constipation subjects, approximately 40% were 'consulters' with excessive doctor consultations, absenteeism and sleep disturbance. Female gender, the presence of sleep difficulty and higher constipation symptom scores were predictive of their consultation behaviour (P < 0.05). No differences existed in demographic variables, doctor consultations and absenteeism between 172 functional constipation and 54 C-IBS subjects. However, the C-IBS subjects experienced more severe constipation symptoms and sleep disturbance than functional constipation subjects. Conclusions: Functional constipation in Taiwan is comparable with that in other countries. The clinical presentation of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome differ somewhat from that of functional constipation.