Preventing, assessing and managing constipation in people with intellectual disabilities

• Published in: Learning disability practice Vol. 23; no. 5; pp. 17 - 23
• Main Authors: Horan, Paul, Cleary, Michelle, Fleming, Sandra, Mulhere, Jacinta, Doyle, Carmel, Burke, Eilish, Byrne, Kathleen, Keenan, Paul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London RCNi 24.09.2020
• Subjects: Abdomen; Anticonvulsants; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Cerebral palsy; Chronic constipation; Constipation; Diet; Disease prevention; Drugs; Exercise; Health Conditions; Holistic Evaluation; Intellectual disabilities; Intellectual Disability; Intelligence Quotient; Intestinal obstruction; Laxatives; Learning disabilities; Longitudinal Studies; Mobility; Muscular Strength; Nurse specialists; Nurses; Nursing care; Obstruction; Patient-centered care; Physical Fitness; Physical Health; Psychological Patterns; Psychological well being; Quality of life; Resistance (Psychology); Risk factors; Side effects; Toilet facilities
• ISSN: 1465-8712; 2047-8968
• DOI: 10.7748/ldp.2020.e2067

Constipation is a common condition that can have significant adverse effects on people’s psychological well-being and quality of life. Chronic constipation is associated with various burdensome symptoms and may lead to serious health issues, such as faecal impaction and bowel obstruction. People with intellectual disabilities may be at increased risk of constipation for several reasons, including side effects of medicines, suboptimal diet and limited mobility.This article outlines the causes and risk factors that can lead to constipation in people with intellectual disabilities. It discusses the prevention, assessment and management of this condition, emphasising the need for a holistic, integrated and person-centred approach. The article also uses a fictional case study to illustrate how such an approach could be applied in practice and to demonstrate the role of nurses in addressing constipation in people with intellectual disabilities.