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Journals / CURARE Journal of Nursing / 2026 / Sayı: 11

Nursing Practices in Constipation Symptom Management: Systematic Review

Merdiye Şendir(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, HEMŞİRELİK FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0002-8243-1669
Halime Tamince(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, HAMİDİYE SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ENSTİTÜSÜ, HEMŞİRELİK BİLİMLERİ (YL) (TEZLİ))0009-0008-2778-4462
Hamiyet Kızıl(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, HEMŞİRELİK FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0002-0722-589X
Pages
68–76
Publication Date
2026-07-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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

Further studies with larger samples and long-term follow-up are needed to provide stronger evidence of their effectiveness.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Aim: This systematic review was conducted to examine studies evaluating the effects of non-pharmacological interventions used in individuals experiencing constipation.
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Key Findings & Data:Methods: The study population consisted of 1151 articles, with 23 studies meeting the inclusion criteria.
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Conclusion & Impact:Further studies with larger samples and long-term follow-up are needed to provide stronger evidence of their effectiveness.
🔬Design:Review & Systematic Survey
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:constipation · symptom management · nursing care

Abstract

Aim: This systematic review was conducted to examine studies evaluating the effects of non-pharmacological interventions used in individuals experiencing constipation. Methods: The study population consisted of 1151 articles, with 23 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The review followed PRISMA-P guidelines. Literature searches were performed in PUBMED, Science Direct, CINAHL, and the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) Thesis Database using the keywords “constipation,” “symptom management,” and “nursing care.” The search was limited to studies published in the last five years; however, YÖK theses published within the last twelve years were also included. Studies available in full text and published in English or Turkish were eligible. Results: Non-pharmacological interventions were categorized into five groups: abdominal massage, reflexology, auricular applications (acupressure/massage), aromatherapy massage, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Their frequency in the included studies was as follows: abdominal massage 56.5%, auricular applications 21.7%, reflexology 17.4%, aromatherapy massage 8.7%, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation 4.3%. Abdominal massage increased defecation frequency and reduced abdominal distension; reflexology regulated bowel movements; auricular applications and electrical stimulation reduced symptom severity, particularly in elderly and chemotherapy patients. Aromatherapy massage positively influenced bowel function by providing psychological and physiological relaxation. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological nursing interventions are effective, safe and feasible for managing constipation symptoms. Integrating these practices into clinical care may improve patient outcomes. Further studies with larger samples and long-term follow-up are needed to provide stronger evidence of their effectiveness.

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Cite This Article

Şendir, M., Tamince, H., Kızıl, H. (2026). Nursing Practices in Constipation Symptom Management: Systematic Review. CURARE Journal of Nursing, Sayı: 11, 68–76. https://doi.org/10.26650/CURARE.2026.1872860

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