Epidemiological survey on functional constipation among military personnel stationed in high-altitude special environments and formulation of its comprehensive prevention and control strategies

Abstract Objective To investigate the incidence of functional constipation (FC) in troops stationed at plateau, to explore the rules and features of FC occurring in high altitude, and to analyze related factors and develop prevention and treatment measures. Methods A survey was carried out during May and August 2024 with Rome Ⅲ diagnostic criteria, symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90) and self-designed questionnaires on the soldiers who had been stationed in the highland area (5 100 m) for more than 6 months subjected with stratified cluster random sampling. A total of 770 questionnaires were distributed, and 765 ones were recovered. These questionnaires mainly included a retrospective survey on constipation symptoms, and 9 related factors were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify the independent influencing factors for FC. Results Totally 765 valid questionnaires were collected, and the incidence of FC was 15.8%. Logistic regression analysis showed that lack of dietary fiber (OR=4.347, 95%CI: 2.749 to 6.873), anxiety (OR=3.625, 95%CI: 2.279 to 5.766), frequent suppression of defecation (OR=2.869, 95%CI: 1.846 to 4.458), insufficient oxygen intake (OR=2.664, 95%CI: 1.712 to 4.145) and lack of exercise (OR=2.346, 95%CI: 1.429 to 3.849) were the potential risk factors for FC (P