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

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.