Dr. Manami Takaoka, a post-doctoral research fellow at the GNRC, has received the Best Abstract Award for her abstract entitled “Continuous laxative use and its relationship to defecation among residents of nursing homes: a longitudinal observational study using the interRAI.”
Dr. Takaoka and her research colleagues aimed to clarify the relationship between chronic constipation/diarrhea and the continuous use of laxatives in nursing homes.
“Constipation is a common problem among older people in long-term care facilities. Therefore, the use of laxatives among this population is not uncommon. Maintaining good bowel movements is a core nursing responsibility, “said Dr. Takaoka.
“Our research focused on older people aged 75 years and older who have chronic constipation or diarrhea. The results showed that the most common types of laxatives used continuously were salt laxatives, anthraquinone stimulants, and diphenol stimulants,” added Dr. Takaoka.
The research team found significant associations between continuous use of certain laxatives and chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea. For instance, chronic constipation was associated with using diphenol stimulant laxatives, not using salt laxatives, and not using suppositories. On the other hand, chronic diarrhea was associated with the use of Lubiprostone and Linaclotide.
“Our findings suggest a need to review the appropriateness of continuously used laxatives in nursing homes. Besides, further research is required to understand better the effective use of laxatives in achieving good bowel movements among older people,” said Dr. Takaoka.
