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

AIM: To clarify the association between constipation, diarrhea, and long-term laxative use in Japanese nursing home residents.

METHODS: Data 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.

RESULTS: Chronic 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).

CONCLUSIONS: Our 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 2023; ••: ••-••.