الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints among elderly people. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of nursing intervention on constipation among elderly. Design: The study was carried out using a quasi- experimental design to evaluate the impact of the intervention on constipation among elderly. Setting: It was conducted in the Geriatric Social Club at Zagazig city. Sample: A purposive sample consisted of 100 elderly randomly divided into two equal groups (50 a study group and 50 a control group). Tool for data collection: A structured interview questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, past medical history, dietary habits, elimination habits, knowledge and practice about constipation. A health education intervention program developed based on literature and identified needs was implemented and its effect was evaluated through a posttest. Results: The study findings revealed statistically significant improvements of the knowledge of elderly in the study group (p<O.OOl), with decreases in intake of anti-allergies (p=0.021), sedatives and hypnotics (p=0.03), and laxatives (p<O.OOl). They also had significant improvements in sleep (p<O.OOl), psychological problems (p=0.016), and exercise practice (p<O.OOl). They had significant increases in eating regular meals (p<O.OOl) and brown bread (p<O.OOl), and improvements in elimination habits (p<O.OOl), and associated complaints (p<O.OOl). Conclusion: The study concluded that the health education intervention led to improvements in elderly’s knowledge and practices regarding the constipation problem, with subsequent improvements in their complaints and complications. Recommendation: the study recommended that implementation of the developed health education program in similar settings, with future research to assess its long-term effects. |