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Journals / Geriatrik Bilimler Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 9

Older Adults’ Experiences with Chronic Constipation and Physiotherapy Awareness: A Qualitative Study

Yaşlı Yetişkinlerin Kronik Konstipasyon Deneyimleri ve Fizyoterapi Farkındalığı: Nitel Bir Çalışma

Semiha Yenişehir(ORDU UNIVERSITY)0000-0002-3928-2207
Ceyhun Türkmen(CANKIRI KARATEKIN UNIVERSITY)0000-0002-3125-4113
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-03-31
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Additionally, health policies should be adjusted to address this issue.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Objective: To investigate experiences of older adults with chronic constipation and physiotherapy knowledge and awareness.
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Key Findings & Data:Material and Methods: Six participants (4 female, 2 male) aged 65-70 years, who were students at 60+ Renewal University in Muş province, Türkiye and had chronic constipation, were included in the study.
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Conclusion & Impact:Additionally, health policies should be adjusted to address this issue.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Bağırsak hastalıkları · Fizik tedavi · Yaşlı bireyler

Abstract

Objective: To investigate experiences of older adults with chronic constipation and physiotherapy knowledge and awareness. Material and Methods: Six participants (4 female, 2 male) aged 65-70 years, who were students at 60+ Renewal University in Muş province, Türkiye and had chronic constipation, were included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of participants were recorded. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants on a face-to-face basis. Results: Six major themes were identified related to older adults' experiences with constipation, their knowledge and strategies for managing the condition, and their perceptions of physiotherapy in constipation treatment. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, and difficulty during defecation. Participants had very limited knowledge and awareness of specific physiotherapy-based interventions. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists and caregivers, should enhance their knowledge and awareness of constipation management strategies. Additionally, health policies should be adjusted to address this issue.

Özet

Amaç: Kronik konstipasyonu olan yaşlı yetişkinlerin deneyimlerini ve fizyoterapi bilgi ve farkındalıklarını araştırmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya Muş ilinde 60+ Tazelenme Üniversitesi'nde öğrenci olan ve kronik konstipasyonu olan 65-70 yaş arası altı katılımcı (4 kadın, 2 erkek) dahil edildi. Katılımcıların demografik ve klinik özellikleri kaydedildi. Katılımcılarla yüz yüze yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler yapıldı. Bulgular: Yaşlı yetişkinlerin kabızlık deneyimleri, durumu yönetmek için bilgi ve stratejileri ve kabızlık tedavisinde fizyoterapi algıları ile ilgili altı ana tema belirlendi. En yaygın semptomlar karın ağrısı, şişkinlik ve dışkılama sırasında zorluktur. Katılımcıların fizyoterapiye dayalı spesifik müdahaleler hakkında bilgi ve farkındalıkları çok sınırlıdır. Sonuç: Fizyoterapistler ve hasta bakımverenler de dahil olmak üzere sağlık profesyonelleri konstipasyon yönetimi stratejileri konusunda bilgi ve farkındalıklarını artırmalıdır. Ayrıca, sağlık politikaları bu sorunu ele alacak şekilde düzenlenmelidir.

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Cite This Article

Yenişehir, S., Türkmen, C. (2026). Older Adults’ Experiences with Chronic Constipation and Physiotherapy Awareness: A Qualitative Study. Geriatrik Bilimler Dergisi, Cilt: 9. https://doi.org/10.47141/geriatrik.1680410

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