Abbott, India’s leading healthcare company, has pointed out that 14 per cent of people in urban India suffer from chronic constipation. Abbott has done survey in six-city 'Abbott Gut-Health Survey' with IPSOS who spoke to over 3,500 individuals to determine the incidence of chronic constipation and with 1,015 people living with chronic constipation to understand the leading causes and the impact of chronic constipation on urban Indians.  

The Survey said that the incidence of chronic constipation is over 10 per cent worldwide. Chronic constipation is defined as an inability to pass stools more than three times a week, and for more than three months at a stretch. Other symptoms experienced are abnormally hard stools, the need to strain very hard to pass motions, feeling of incomplete evacuation or a feeling of bowel obstruction. 65 per cent of the people with chronic constipation did not pass motion for 3 or more consecutive days. Incidence of chronic constipation increases with age: 20 per cent (2 out of 10) of people in the age group of 45 to 65 suffered from chronic constipation (versus 14 per cent overall).

“Constipation is often considered a taboo in India and people are hesitant to talk about it, in spite of the high incidence,” said Dr. Rajesh Sainani, HON. Gastroenterologist, M.D.,D.N.B, Jaslok Hospital. “While the relief to this nagging issue is easy, people with constipation generally try out multiple self-medication options and come to a doctor only after the issue has become chronic. Untreated constipation can lead to complications like fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Greater awareness, timely action, lifestyle modifications and eating right can help people lead a healthy and active life.”

Chronic constipation is linked to food habits: Significantly higher frequency of eating non-vegetarian food, low water intake, snacking and eating fried, oily, spicy, junk and processed food were the leading causes for constipation. People with chronic constipation are aware it impacts their lives, but are not concerned. The survey said that 3 out of 4 people with chronic constipation know that it leads to other medical problems, with piles or haemorrhoids, ulcers, abdominal pain and anal fissures being the leading issues.

“Abbott is devoted to helping people live fuller lives through better health”, said Rehan Khan, managing director, Abbott India Ltd. “With the ‘Abbott Gut-Health Survey’, we want to advance understanding and increase awareness of a common issue that many people face in their daily lives. Better constipation management will help them pursue healthier lives and get on doing the things they enjoy.”

Chronic constipation significantly impacted people’s quality of life due to lack of sleep, and mental and physical stress as compared to those who did not have constipation. Pain while passing motion, abnormally hard stools, stomach related discomfort (gas, acidity, uneasiness, pain and loss of appetite), and a sense of feeling bloated were the biggest issue faced by people with constipation. The most common psychological issues were feeling irritable, lack of interest in work, mood swings, worry and embarrassment. 2 out of 3 people with chronic constipation were not concerned about their condition, even when it impacted their quality-of-life, and physical and psychological well-being. Seeking medical advice not top of mind for majority of people. Nearly 80 per cent of the people with chronic constipation looked for a solution only after they faced the issue multiple times.

The ‘Abbott Gut-Health Survey’ was conducted with the aim of understanding the incidence of people with chronic constipation and their perceptions and attitudes towards constipation. The qualitative research identified the leading causes, current apathy and measures taken to effectively manage constipation among those with chronic cases across major metros in India.