Publication: The association between dietary fibre intake, body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle patterns with constipation among undergraduate students in the School Of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kelantan
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Date
2025-06
Authors
Shazalli, Nurin Athirah Ahmad
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Abstract
Constipation is a common bowel issue with increasing prevalence in Malaysia and can affect individuals of all age groups, including university students. This study aims to investigate the association between dietary fibre intake, body mass index (BMI), and lifestyle patterns with constipation among undergraduate students in the School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kelantan. This cross–sectional study included 163 undergraduate students from the School of Health Sciences, recruited through a convenience sampling method. Data collection took place from April 2025 to May 2025. Data were collected via an online self-administered questionnaire that encompassed demographic characteristics, assessment of dietary fibre intake using the Semi-Quantitative Dietary Fibre Food Frequency Questionnaire, lifestyle patterns, and evaluation of constipation using the Wexner Constipation Scoring System. Anthropometric measurements were conducted to determine Body Mass Index (BMI). The data collected were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 29.0. A significant association was identified between dietary fibre intake and constipation (p=0.002). No significant association was found between BMI and constipation (p=0.697). Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between lifestyle patterns and constipation (p = 0.805). The notable association identified between dietary fibre consumption and constipation underscores the importance of ingesting sufficient dietary fibre, particularly among university students, who are observed to consume less than the recommended intake of ≥25 g/day. Therefore, it is recommended that future research be conducted to enhance comprehension of the factors contributing to constipation and to address deficiencies in dietary fibre intake among university students
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