Analysis of Factors Related to Constipation in Hospitalised Patients with Schizophrenia: A Study from Wuhan, China

Objective: To investigate the factors associated with constipation in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: This retrospective study analysed medical records of hospitalised patients with schizophrenia admitted to a psychiatric department in Wuhan between January and December 2023. Demographic and clinical data were collected and cross-checked by psychiatrists. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors. Results: Among 904 patients, 268 (29.65%) had constipation, including incomplete intestinal obstruction (5.97%), anal fissures (20.89%) and haemorrhoids (38.10%). The prevalence was higher in women (33.59%) than in men (26.73%). Multivariate logistic regression identified poverty (odds ratio OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.14– 2.23, P = 0.006), disease duration ≥ 10 years (OR = 4.13, 95% CI: 2.41– 7.07, P < 0.001), clozapine use (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.67– 3.94, P < 0.001), combined drug therapy (OR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.67– 3.99, P < 0.001), comorbid anxiety disorders (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.79– 3.88, P < 0.001), comorbid hypertension (OR = 3.84, 95% CI: 2.73– 5.39, P < 0.001), dyslipidaemia (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.21– 2.71, P = 0.004) and smoking (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.13– 2.20, P = 0.008) as independent risk factors. Subgroup analyses showed stronger associations between clozapine and constipation in women and between long disease duration and constipation in older patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of constipation in patients with schizophrenia is high. For high-risk groups with the above factors, early intervention should be implemented to prevent the onset of constipation and improve patients’ quality of life. Keywords: schizophrenia, constipation, risk factors, psychotropic drugs, anxiety disorders