Constipation Problem in Nursing Students and Effectiveness of Interventions used by them for its Management

Aim: The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine the prevalence rate of constipation in nursing students and the effectiveness of nursing interventions used by them to manage constipation in their own lives.

Material and Method: 232 students who agreed to participate in the study were included in the sample. In the study, the data were collected in November 2017 using the Constipation Evaluation Scale and a questionnaire prepared by reviewing the relevant literature.

Results: While 87.5% of the students stated that they had no constipation during the study, 77.6% stated that they experienced constipation before. The students, who stated that they did not have constipation at that time, consumed pulpy food and these foods were effective [χ² = 10.99; p = 0.001]. The students who stated that they had no constipation at that time drank at least 2 liters of water a day and this was effective [χ² = 15.89; p < 0.001].

Conclusion: As a result of this study, it was observed that in the management of the constipation, the consumption of pulpy food, water consumption of 2 liters per day and exercise were effective nursing interventions that can be applied to individuals.

Keywords: Work Motivation; Factors; Nurse