On the prevalence of constipation and fecal incontinence, and their co-occurrence, in the Netherlands

PURPOSE: Numerous studies have investigated the prevalence of constipation and fecal incontinence (FI) in the general population and, even though these disorders are known to co-occur, they were studied independently of each other. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of constipation and FI, and their co-occurrence, in the general population in the Netherlands. METHODS: We studied a cross-section of the Dutch population (N = 1259). All respondents completed the Groningen Defecation & Fecal Continence checklist. We defined constipation and FI in accordance with the Rome III criteria. RESULTS: We found that 24.5% (95% CI, 22.1–26.8) suffered from constipation, 7.9% (95% CI, 6.4–9.4) suffered from FI, and 3.5% (95% CI, 2.5–4.5) suffered from both disorders. Constipated respondents were 2.7 times more likely to suffer from FI than non-constipated respondents (95% CI, 1.8–4.0). Moreover, 48.7% of the respondents with constipation, 35.0% with FI, and 38.6% in whom the disorders co-occurred qualified their bowel habits as either “good” or “very good”. We found that 49.4% of the respondents with constipation and 48.0% with FI had not discussed their complaints with anyone. CONCLUSIONS: Constipation and FI, isolated or co-occurring, are common disorders in the general population, even in young and healthy respondents. Since constipation and FI often co-occur, we recommend that patients who seek medical attention for either disorder should be examined for both. Moreover, constipation and/or FI are not always identified appropriately by patients. Therefore, physicians should take the initiative to diagnose and treat these disorders. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00384-016-2722-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.