Perception of constipation and probiotics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A cross-sectional study investigating the perceptions of the definition of constipation, its treatments, and use of probiotics amongst the general population, gastroenterology specialists and general practitioners
IRAS ID
158937
Contact name
Eirini Dimidi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kings College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 29 days
Research summary
Background: Constipation is a prevalent and troublesome disease. There is very little evidence as to whether patients’ perception of constipation agrees with doctors’ perception. This is an important aspect of patients’ care, as it may affect the communication regarding symptoms between patient and doctors and, consequently, patients’ treatment and satisfaction. Furthermore, although there is evidence that probiotics may benefit patients with constipation, it is as yet unknown whether patients use them as treatment, or whether doctors recommend them as a management option.
Aim: To identify differences in patients’ and doctors’ perceptions of constipation.
Design: This is a cross-sectional study in the form of a questionnaire
Population: General population, gastroenterologists and general practitioners will be included.
Methods: This survey will assess patients’ and doctors’ perceptions about the symptoms that contribute to a diagnosis of constipation. It also investigates the treatments that patients chose to use for the management of their constipation symptoms and compare them with those recommended by doctors. Information on the symptoms participants with constipation experience and how bothersome they are will also be collected. There will also be questions on probiotics and whether participants ever used them for the management of their symptoms. Doctors will also be asked whether they recommend probiotics to their patients for the management of constipation. The survey should take approximately 15 mins.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NE/0060
Date of REC Opinion
13 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion