The measures to evaluate constipation: a review article

Authors:

Izumi, K.

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to review current constipation assessment scales and clarify (a) the nature of extant measurements and (b) the criteria contained in the measures. A review of relevant literature from inception to 2011 was extracted from PubMed, CINHAL, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases by searching for the following key words: constipation, scale, measurement, questionnaire, and assessment. Eight scales were reviewed. The scales under review measured constipation from a subjective viewpoint. All measurement criteria included in 8 of the scales were arranged into 51 items and divided into 5 categories. Categories used to measure the severity of constipation were defecation difficulties, abdominal symptoms, emotional effects of constipation, self-treatment strategies, and individual characteristics. Original and suitable scales for the measurement of the severity of constipation based on the review were the Patient-Assessment of Constipation Symptoms scale and the Constipation Assessment Scale. The Patient-Assessment of Constipation Symptoms scale and the Constipation Assessment Scale are reliable, valid, original, and suitable scales to measure the severity of constipation for subjects.

DOI:

10.1097/SGA.0000000000000034

URL:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24691084

Journal:

Gastroenterol Nurs

issn:

1538-9766 (Electronic)

Publication year:

2014

pages:

137-46

Symptom status:

Physical state

Age:

Adults (18-65)
Children (0-18)
Seniors (65+)

Disease:

Diseases of and symptoms related to the digestive system

PRO / non-PRO:

Patient Reported Outcome

Type of measurement instrument:

1 - Questionnaires
2 - Interviews

Instrument:

CAS - Constipation Assessment Scale
CCQ - Chinese Constipation Questionnaire
Constipation Severity Instrument
CQ - Constipation Questionnaire
CSS - Constipation Scoring System
GQ - Garrigues Questionnaire
KESS - Knowles Eccersley Scott Symptom Score
PAC-SYM - Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptom [Alias: PAC-QOL - Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms and Quality of Life]