Epidemiological survey on functional constipation among military personnel stationed in high-altitude special environments and formulation of its comprehensive prevention and control strategies
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Epidemiological survey on functional constipation among military personnel stationed in high-altitude special environments and formulation of its comprehensive prevention and control strategies
Journal of Army Medical UniversityVol. 48, Issue 1, Pages: 94-99(2026)
DOU W L,ZENG H,SUN Z Y.Epidemiological survey on functional constipation among military personnel stationed in high-altitude special environments and formulation of its comprehensive prevention and control strategies[J].J Army Med Univ,2026,48(01):94-99.DOI:10.16016/j.2097-0927.202511057.
DOU W L,ZENG H,SUN Z Y.Epidemiological survey on functional constipation among military personnel stationed in high-altitude special environments and formulation of its comprehensive prevention and control strategies[J].J Army Med Univ,2026,48(01):94-99.DOI:10.16016/j.2097-0927.202511057.DOI:
Epidemiological survey on functional constipation among military personnel stationed in high-altitude special environments and formulation of its comprehensive prevention and control strategies
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
2
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
2
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
<
0.01).
Conclusion
2
The incidence of FC is 15.8% among high-altitude officers and soldiers
and its main risk factors are lack of dietary fiber
anxiety
frequent restraint of defecation
insufficient oxygen intake
and lack of exercise. Countermeasures High priority should be given to the issue of FC among plateau-stationed troops. Following comprehensive interventions are recommended: ① Improve environmental and managerial conditions by optimizing accommodation facilities
daily schedules
and ensuring adequate time of oxygen supply; ② Promote healthy behaviors through dietary restructuring
increased fiber and water intake
scientifically planned physical activities
and avoidance of prolonged sitting and deliberate suppression of bowel movements; ③ Strengthen psychological support by implementing mental health counseling to alleviate anxiety; ④ Standardize medical interventions with appropriate pharmacological assistance when necessary. Through multidimensional and systematic health management
the incidence of functional constipation can be effectively reduced
thereby safeguarding both the physical and mental well-being of the troops and maintaining combat readiness.
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