A population survey of bowel habits in urban Swiss men

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of symptomsrelated to constipation in urban Swiss men and to identify associatedsociodemographic factors and health habits. A sample of 773men aged between 35 and 74 years randomly selected from theGeneva population answered a questionnaire on bowel habits duringa personal interview in a mobile epidemiological unit. ‘Constipation’was reported by more than 6% of subjects, difficulties in stoolevacuation by approximately 5% and less than three stools perweek by approximately 2%. These symptoms appeared less prevalentin subjects with post-baccalaureate education (the excess prevalenceof self-reported constipation, difficulty in stool evacuationand frequent daily defecation was greater than 5%). Smokerswere more likely to have a frequency of 3–7 stools perweek and were less affected by frequent daily defecation. Self-reportedconstipation was more prevalent in subjects with a higher dietaryfibre intake. No statistically significant effects of age, nationality,dietary fat or physical activity were observed. These resultsare consistent with national surveys in US populations. Factorsrelated to socioeconomic status or education may be a causeof constipation in men, but they still need to be elucidated.