Continuous laxative use and its relationship to defecation among residents of nursing homes: A longitudinal observational study using the interRAI

Abstract

AimTo clarify the association between constipation, diarrhea, and long‐term laxative use in Japanese nursing home residents.MethodsData from 306 residents with chronic constipation aged over 75 years for basic characteristics, medication use, activities of daily living, and concurrent illness were collected via two consecutive 6‐monthly surveys conducted using the Japanese interRAI assessment tool. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to examine the associations between chronic constipation, diarrhea, and continuous laxative use.ResultsChronic constipation persisted in 74.5% of residents despite their continuous use of laxatives. Additionally, 14.4% experienced chronic diarrhea while on laxatives. Residents using salt laxatives had significantly lower chronic constipation than those not using salt laxatives (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.52), while residents using novel laxatives had significantly higher chronic diarrhea than those not using novel laxatives (AOR 4.28).ConclusionsOur findings reveal that bowel movement‐related problems remain a concern and highlight the need for further research on the use of novel laxatives in nursing home residents. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 133–139.