The prevalence of skin tears and associated factors in hospitalised patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Oncology patients are vulnerable to skin breakdown. The primary purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of skin tears (STs) in hospitalised patients with cancer and to explore related sociodemographic and clinical factors. METHOD: This was an observational, epidemiological, cross-sectional study conducted in an oncology hospital in the city of São Paulo. All STs were classified using the STAR Classification adapted and validated for Brazil. RESULTS: Of the 341 patients evaluated, 22 had STs, equating to a prevalence of 6.5%. A higher number of STs were noted on the lower limbs (26.9%) than on other body areas. The main factors associated with STs were the use of anticoagulants, the presence of ecchymosis and the use of incontinence briefs. CONCLUSION: This study contributed to a better understanding of the epidemiology of STs in hospitalised patients with cancer, as well as its associated factors. Results may inform nursing professionals with regard to the need to develop prevention strategies and early interventions.

Topical cream containing nanoparticles with vitamin E to prevent radiodermatitis in women with breast cancer: a clinical trial protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the efficacy of products aiming to prevent radiodermatitis, which affects between 90-95% of women with breast cancer. The use of antioxidants is promising, however, there is a lack of evidenceon their effectiveness. Here, the authors present a clinical trial protocol to evaluate the effects of applying a cream containing nanoparticles with vitamin E to prevent radiodermatitis in patients with breast cancer. METHOD: The protocol recommends that 108 women with breast cancer, receiving radiotherapy, are included in this triple-blinded, randomized, controlled study at an oncology hospital. Patients will be divided in three groups of 36 individuals each: group A will receive a cream with lipid nanoparticles and vitamin E, group B will receive a cream without nanoparticles nor vitamin E, and group C will receive a cream with nanoparticles without vitamin E. The primary endpoints will evaluate the incidence, degree, and time of onset of radiodermatitis. The secondary endpoints will focus on the quality of life, symptoms, and local temperature. Patients will be assessed three times a week, from the start of their radiotherapy treatment to two weeks after the last session. This protocol was approved by the research ethics committee of the institutions involved and registered on an international trials database.

Topical cream containing nanoparticles with vitamin E to prevent radiodermatitis in women with breast cancer: a clinical trial protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the efficacy of products aiming to prevent radiodermatitis, which affects between 90-95% of women with breast cancer. The use of antioxidants is promising, however, there is a lack of evidenceon their effectiveness. Here, the authors present a clinical trial protocol to evaluate the effects of applying a cream containing nanoparticles with vitamin E to prevent radiodermatitis in patients with breast cancer. METHOD: The protocol recommends that 108 women with breast cancer, receiving radiotherapy, are included in this triple-blinded, randomized, controlled study at an oncology hospital. Patients will be divided in three groups of 36 individuals each: group A will receive a cream with lipid nanoparticles and vitamin E, group B will receive a cream without nanoparticles nor vitamin E, and group C will receive a cream with nanoparticles without vitamin E. The primary endpoints will evaluate the incidence, degree, and time of onset of radiodermatitis. The secondary endpoints will focus on the quality of life, symptoms, and local temperature. Patients will be assessed three times a week, from the start of their radiotherapy treatment to two weeks after the last session. This protocol was approved by the research ethics committee of the institutions involved and registered on an international trials database.

Constipation: Prevalence and Associated Factors in Adults Living in Londrina, Southern Brazil.

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of constipation and identify associated factors among adults living in an urban area in Londrina, Brazil. This was a secondary analysis of an epidemiological, population-based study on bowel habit performed in 2008 with 2,162 individuals selected through cluster sampling. Interviews were administered using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the adapted and validated Brazilian version of the "Bowel Function in the Community" tool. Variables from the original database were used to determine the prevalence of constipation (according to the Rome Criteria III) and associated factors. The chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used for data analysis. The overall prevalence of constipation (14.6%; n = 315) was higher among women than among men (21.9% vs. 5.3%), increased with age among men, and was inversely related to family income. Overall, female gender, low socioeconomic status, history of anal fissure, anorectal surgery, stroke, nervous system disease, fistulae, and hemorrhoids were factors significantly associated with constipation. The variables low social economic status, stroke, anal fissure history, and anorectal surgery were statistically significant in all three tested statistical models.

Clinical protocol for the topical use of a cream with nanoparticles and vitamin E to prevent radiodermatitis in patients with breast cancer]. / Aplicación tópica de crema con nanopartículas con vitamina E para prevenir radiodermatitis en cáncer de mama: protocolo de ensayo clínico.

Objetivo: Poco se conoce sobre la eficacia de productos para la prevención de radiodermatitis, que afecta al 90­95% de las mujeres con cáncer de mama. El uso de antioxidantes es promisorio, sin embargo, poco estudiado. Los autores desarrollaron un protocolo de ensayo clínico para evaluar el efecto potencial de la aplicación de crema con nanopartículas con vitamina E para prevenir radiodermatitis aguda en mujeres con cáncer de mama. Método: El protocolo sugiere que 108 mujeres adultas con cáncer de mama, que estén recibiendo radioterapia, sean incluidas en este ensayo clínico, controlado, aleatorizado y triple ciego, en un hospital oncológico. Se prevé la distribución de pacientes en tres grupos de 36 personas: el grupo A recibirá una crema con nanopartículas lipídicas con vitamina E, el grupo B obtendrá una crema sin nanopartículas ni vitamina E, y el grupo C usará una crema con nanopartículas sin vitamina E. Los resultados primarios evaluarán la incidencia, el grado y el tiempo de surgimiento de la radiodermatitis. Los resultados secundarios se centrarán en la calidad de vida, los síntomas y la temperatura local. Las pacientes serán evaluadas tres veces por semana, desde el inicio de la radioterapia hasta dos semanas después de la última sesión. El presente proyecto fue aprobado por el comité de ética en investigación de las instituciones involucradas.Objective: Little is known about the efficacy of products that aim to prevent radiodermatitis, which affects between 90­95% of women with breast cancer. The use of antioxidants is promising, however, there is a lack of evidence on their effectiveness. Here, the authors present a clinical trial protocol to evaluate the potential effects of applying a nanoparticle cream with vitamin E to prevent radiodermatitis in patients with breast cancer. Method: The protocol recommends that 108 women with breast cancer, who are receiving radiotherapy, be included in a triple-blinded, randomised, controlled study in an oncology hospital. Patients will be divided in three groups of 36 people each: group A will receive a cream with lipid nanoparticles and vitamin E, group B will obtain a cream without nanoparticles or vitamin E, and group C will receive a cream with nanoparticles without vitamin E. The primary endpoints will evaluate the incidence, degree and time of onset of radiodermatitis. The secondary endpoints will focus on quality of life, symptoms and local temperature. Patients will be assessed three times a week, from the start of their radiotherapy treatment to two weeks after the last session. This protocol was approved by the research ethics committee of the institutions involved.

[Prevalence of self-reported constipation in adults from the general population]. / Prevalência de constipação intestinal autorreferida em adultos da população geral.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported constipation and associated factors in the general population of a Brazilian city. METHOD: Secondary analysis of an epidemiological study, population-based, cross-sectional study, about bowel habits of Brazilian population. A total of 2,162 individuals were interviewed using two instruments: sociodemographic data and the adapted and validated Brazilian version of the "Bowel Function in the Community" tool. RESULTS: There was a prevalence of 25.2% for the self-reported constipation, 37.2% among women and 10.2% among men. Stroke and old age were associated with constipation in the three statistical models used. CONCLUSION: The prevalence found showed to be similar to the findings in the literature, although some associated factors obtained here have never been investigated.

Prevalence of constipation in the general adult population: an integrative review.

Constipation affects multiple aspects of a person's health, including health-related quality of life. It is one of the most frequently reported functional gastrointestinal disorders. The purpose of this integrative review of the literature was to identify research findings pertaining to the prevalence of constipation and factors are associated with constipation in the general population. Electronic databases were searched for articles published between 2005 and 2011. All retrieved studies were evaluated with respect to quality according to the guidelines for critical appraisal of health research literature on prevalence and incidence. Eleven studies were retrieved; they reveal a prevalence of constipation that varied from 2.6% to 26.9%. The most frequently cited associated factors were female gender and advanced age, which were cited in 11 and 7 of the studies, respectively. Prevalence rates reported by the selected studies were heterogeneous. This may be partially attributed to variability in methods used to measure prevalence, including differences in criteria for constipation.

Nursing team knowledge on care for patients with fungating wounds.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the nursing team knowledge of a cancer hospital on care for patients with Malignant Fungating Wounds (MFW) and to analyze associated sociodemographic and educational factors. METHOD: an observational and cross-sectional study, conducted between September and October 2015, after approval by the Research Ethics Committee. A questionnaire was applied containing sociodemographic, educational and related components to the accomplishment of dressings, dressings choice and orientation. Data were analyzed by using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Student's t-Test and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: 37 professionals participated in the study, most of whom were technicians (56.8%), women (91.9%) and with a mean age of 32 years. The professionals presented 56.5% of correct answers. There were no statistically significant associations between sociodemographic/educational variables and number of correct answers. CONCLUSION: there was a lack of important knowledge about care for patients with MFW, which should guide strategies for the oncology staff training.

Nursing team knowledge on care for patients with fungating wounds / Conocimiento del equipo de enfermería sobre cuidados con pacientes con úlceras neoplásicas / Conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem sobre cuidados com pacientes com feridas neoplásicas

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the nursing team knowledge of a cancer hospital on care for patients with Malignant Fungating Wounds (MFW) and to analyze associated sociodemographic and educational factors. Method: an observational and cross-sectional study, conducted between September and October 2015, after approval by the Research Ethics Committee. A questionnaire was applied containing sociodemographic, educational and related components to the accomplishment of dressings, dressings choice and orientation. Data were analyzed by using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Student's t-Test and Pearson's correlation. Results: 37 professionals participated in the study, most of whom were technicians (56.8%), women (91.9%) and with a mean age of 32 years. The professionals presented 56.5% of correct answers. There were no statistically significant associations between sociodemographic/educational variables and number of correct answers. Conclusion: there was a lack of important knowledge about care for patients with MFW, which should guide strategies for the oncology staff training.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el conocimiento del equipo de enfermería de un hospital oncológico sobre el cuidado de pacientes con Úlceras Neoplásicas Malignas (UNM) y analizar factores sociodemográficos y educativos asociados. Método: estudio observacional y transversal, realizado entre septiembre y octubre de 2015, tras la aprobación por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Se aplicó un cuestionario que contenía componentes sociodemográficos, educativos y relacionados con la realización de curativos, elección de coberturas y orientación. Los datos fueron analizados a través del Test Qui-Cuadrado, Exacto de Fisher, Test t de Student y correlación de Pearson. Resultados: en el estudio 37 profesionales, siendo la mayoría técnicos (56,8%), mujeres (91,9%) y con edad media de 32 años. Los profesionales presentaron un 56,5% de aciertos. No hubo asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre variables sociodemográficas/educativas y número de aciertos. Conclusión: se observó déficit de conocimientos importantes sobre el cuidado de pacientes con UNM, lo que debió orientar estrategias para capacitación de los equipos actuantes en Oncología.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem de um hospital oncológico sobre o cuidado de pacientes com Feridas Neoplásicas Malignas (FNM) e analisar fatores sociodemográficos e educacionais associados. Método: estudo observacional e transversal, realizado entre setembro e outubro de 2015, após aprovação por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Foi aplicado questionário contendo componentes sociodemográficos, educacionais e relacionados à realização de curativos, escolha de coberturas e orientação. Os dados foram analisados por meio do Teste Qui-Quadrado, Exato de Fisher, Teste t de Student e correlação de Pearson. Resultados: participaram do estudo 37 profissonais, sendo a maioria técnicos (56,8%), mulheres (91,9%) e com idade média de 32 anos. Os profissionais apresentaram 56,5% de acertos. Não houve associações estatisticamente significativas entre variáveis sociodemográficas/educacionais e número de acertos. Conclusão: observou-se déficit de conhecimentos importantes sobre o cuidado de pacientes com FNM, o que deve nortear estratégias para capacitação das equipes atuantes em Oncologia.

Prevalence of self-reported constipation in adults from the general population / Prevalencia de constipación autorreferido en adultos de la población general / Prevalência de constipação intestinal autorreferida em adultos da população geral

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of self-reported constipation and associated factors in the general population of a Brazilian city. METHOD Secondary analysis of an epidemiological study, population-based, cross-sectional study, about bowel habits of Brazilian population. A total of 2,162 individuals were interviewed using two instruments: sociodemographic data and the adapted and validated Brazilian version of the "Bowel Function in the Community" tool. RESULTS There was a prevalence of 25.2% for the self-reported constipation, 37.2% among women and 10.2% among men. Stroke and old age were associated with constipation in the three statistical models used. CONCLUSION The prevalence found showed to be similar to the findings in the literature, although some associated factors obtained here have never been investigated. .

OBJETIVO Estimar la prevalencia de estreñimiento autorreferido y los factores asociados en la población general de una ciudad brasileña. MÉTODO Análisis secundario de un estudio epidemiológico, de base poblacional y transversal, acerca del hábito intestinal en la población brasileña. Fueron entrevistados 2.162 individuos utilizándose dos instrumentos: datos sociodemográficos y hábito intestinal en la población. RESULTADOS Se logró prevalencia del 25,2% para el estreñimiento autorreferido, siendo el 37,2% para mujeres y el 10,2% entre los hombres. Accidente Vascular Encefálico y edad avanzada presentaron asociación con constipación en los tres modelos estadísticos utilizados. CONCLUSIÓN La prevalencia encontrada se mostró similar a los hallazgos de la literatura internacional, aunque algunos factores asociados aquí obtenidos nunca se hayan investigado. .

OBJETIVO Estimar a prevalência de constipação intestinal autorreferida e os fatores associados na população geral de uma cidade brasileira. MÉTODO Análise secundária de um estudo epidemiológico, de base populacional e transversal, sobre o hábito intestinal na população brasileira. Foram entrevistados 2.162 indivíduos utilizando-se dois instrumentos: dados sociodemográficos e hábito intestinal na população. RESULTADOS Obteve-se prevalência de 25,2% para a constipação autorreferida, sendo 37,2% para mulheres e 10,2% entre homens. Acidente Vascular Encefálico e idade avançada apresentaram associação com constipação nos três modelos estatísticos utilizados. CONCLUSÃO A prevalência encontrada mostrou-se similar aos achados na literatura internacional, embora alguns fatores associados aqui obtidos nunca tenham sido investigados. .

Aplicação tópica de creme contendo nanopartículas com vitamina E para prevenção de radiodermatite em mulheres com câncer de mama: estudo piloto randomizado / Topical application of cream containing nanoparticles with vitamin E for radiodermatitis prevention in women with breast cancer: a randomized pilot study

Introdução: Apesar da ação promissora dos agentes antioxidantes contra as radiodermatites, os estudos sobre esse tema ainda são pouco consistentes. Diante dessas considerações, questionou-se sobre a ação da vitamina E, veiculada por meio de nanotecnologia, na prevenção das radiodermatites. Objetivo: Avaliar o potencial efeito da aplicação tópica de creme com nanopartículas lipídicas contendo vitamina E, na concentração final de 2%, para a prevenção de radiodermatite aguda em mulheres com câncer de mama submetidas à teleterapia. Método: Estudo piloto randomizado e duplo cego, realizado em um hospital oncológico de Minas Gerais. A amostra foi constituída de 40 mulheres, divididas em três grupos: Intervenção - realizaram a aplicação tópica de creme com nanopartículas lipídicas contendo vitamina E; Controle 1 - realizaram a aplicação tópica de creme sem nanopartículas lipídicas e sem vitamina E; Controle 2 - realizaram a aplicação tópica de creme com nanopartículas lipídicas sem vitamina E. A incidência de radiodermatite, o grau (pelas escalas RTOG e CTCAE) e o tempo para o aparecimento da reação foram considerados desfechos primários; a qualidade de vida, a temperatura da mama e os sintomas relatados como desfechos secundários. Todas as participantes seguiram as orientações padrão para prevenção de radiodermatites, realizaram a aplicação de creme três vezes por dia e foram avaliadas três vezes por semana. Para a coleta dos dados, utilizaram-se quatro instrumentos: dados sócio-demográficos e clínicos, registro das avaliações periódicas, e avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) EORTC-QLQ-30 e EORTC-QLQ-BR23. Os dados foram analisados por meio de: modelo ANOVA, teste de Kruskal-Wallis, qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher, modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox e modelo de efeitos mistos. O projeto foi aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: Todas as pacientes da amostra apresentaram radiodermatites em algum grau. As incidências de reações graus 1, 2 e 3 foram, respectivamente: 58%, 25% e 17% para o grupo Intervenção; 36%, 29% e 36% para o grupo Controle 1; e 50%, 43% e 7% para o grupo Controle 2. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos do estudo no que concerne ao grau de radiodermatite, QVRS e temperaturas das mamas. Observou-se uma tendência para potencial efeito protetor do creme com nanopartículas contendo vitamina E no que concerne ao tempo para aparecimento da radiodermatite nas pacientes que não receberam a dose de boost (p=0,03) e ocorrência de eritema leve inframamário (p=0,04). Prurido foi reportado por 90% das mulheres, apresentando por mais tempo naquelas do grupo Intervenção (p=0,05). Os dados encontrados permitiram subsidiar o cálculo amostral para o ensaio clinico definitivo, que deverá ser composto de 108 pacientes. Conclusões: Observou-se um potencial efeito protetor do creme com nanopartículas contendo vitamina E com relação ao tempo para aparecimento da radiodermatite e ocorrência de eritema leve inframamário. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos do estudo com relação a incidência e intensidade de radiodermatites, QVRS e temperatura das mamas. Amostra constituída de 108 pacientes deverá compor o ensaio clínico definitivo para evidenciar as hipóteses levantadas neste estudo piloto.

Introduction: Despite the promising action of antioxidant agents against radiodermatitis, studies on this topic are still poorly consistent. In view of these considerations, vitamin E transmitted through nanotechnology action on radiodermatitis prevention was questioned. Aims: To evaluate acute radiodermatitis prevention effect of topical application of a cream with lipid nanoparticles containing vitamin E (final concentration of 2%) in women with breast cancer submitted to radiotherapy. Method: Randomized, double blind pilot study performed at a cancer hospital in Minas Gerais. The sample consisted of 40 women, divided into three groups: Intervention - they performed topical application of the cream with lipid nanoparticles containing vitamin E; Control 1 - they performed topical application of the cream without lipid nanoparticles and without vitamin E; Control 2 - performed the topical application of cream with lipid nanoparticles without vitamin E. The incidence of radiodermatitis, the classification (by the RTOG and CTCAE scoring systems) and the time for appearance of the reaction were considered primary outcomes; quality of life, breast temperature and symptoms reported as secondary outcomes. All participants followed the standard guidelines for the prevention of radiodermatitis, performed the application of cream three times a day and were evaluated three times a week. Four instruments were used to collect data: socio-demographic and clinical data, record of periodic evaluations, and health-related quality of life assessment (HRQoL) - EORTC-QLQ-30 and EORTC-QLQ-BR23. The data were analyzed by means of: ANOVA model, Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Cox proportional hazards model and mixed effects model. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: All patients in the sample presented radiodermatitis to some degree. The incidence of grade 1, 2 and 3 reactions were, respectively: 58%, 25% and 17% for the intervention group; 36%, 29% and 36% for the Control 1 group; and 50%, 43% and 7% for Control group 2. There were no significant differences between the study groups regarding the degree of radiodermatitis, HRQoL and breast temperatures. There was a trend towards a potential protective effect of the cream with vitamin E-containing nanoparticles regarding the time to onset of radiodermatitis in patients who did not receive the boost dose (p = 0.03) and the occurrence of mild inframammary erythema (p = 0.04). Pruritus was reported by 90% of the women, presenting more time in the Intervention group (p = 0.05). The colected data allowed to calculate the sample size for the definitive clinical trial, which should be composed of 108 patients. Conclusions: It was observed a potential protective effect of the cream with nanoparticles containing vitamin E concerning to the time of radiodermatitis appearance and the occurrence of inframammary light erythema. There were no significant differences between the study groups regarding the incidence and intensity of radiodermatitis, HRQoL and breast temperature. A sample consisting of 108 patients should compose the definitive clinical trial to highlight the hypotheses raised in this pilot study.

Prevalência e fatores associados à constipação instestinal em adultos no município de Londrina / Constipation prevalence and associated factors in adults living in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

A partir do desenvolvimento dos Critérios de Roma, muitos estudos têm sido realizados para o conhecimento da epidemiologia da constipação instestinal (CI). Porém, a maioria é realizada em grupos populacionais específicos e poucos são aqueles de base populacional. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram estimar a prevalência de CI em adultos da população geral na área urbana de Londrina, Paraná, e identificar os fatores demográficos e clínicos associados à ocorrência de CI nessa população. Trata-se de uma análise secundária, desenvolvida a partir de um estudo epidemiológico de base populacional, descritivo, exploratório e com coleta transversal dos dados, sobre o hátbito instestinal da população de Londrina, Paraná, em 2008. Dois mil cento e sessenta e dois indivíduos, residentes nas ruas selecionadas por meio de amostragem probabilística por conglomerados, foram entrevistados utilizando-se dois instrumentos: dados sócio-demográficos e "Hábito Instestinal na População Geral" (em sua versão adaptada e validada para o Brasil). No presente estudo, foram utilizadas as variáveis necessárias para o cálculo da prevalência de CI, de acordo com os Critérios de Roma III, e identificação dos fatores associados. Os dados foram analisados por meio do Teste do Qui-Quadrado (X2) de Pearson e regressão logística multivariada. Foram estimadas as prevalências de CI, com intervalos de confiança (IC) a 95%. As associações não foram medidas pelo Odds Ratio ajustado, por análise de regressão. A prevalência total de CI foi 14,6%, sendo maior entre as mulheres (21,9%) comparativamente aos homens (5,3%), crescente com a idade em ambos os sexos e inversamente proporcional ao aumento da renda familiar. Para a amostra total de constipados (n=315), os fatores que apresentaram associação com CI foram: sexo feminino, baixa renda familiar, história de fístula, fissura anal, prolapso retal, hemorróidas, cirurgias anorretais,AVE e doenças do sistema nervoso. Para o sexo feminino, as variáveis significativamente associadas à CI foram: baixa renda familiar, história de fístula, fissura anal, cirurgia anorretal, trauma ou ferimento ao redor do ânus, retocele, hemorróidas e AVE. Para o sexo masculino, CI foi estatisticamente associada a: idade avançada, baixa renda familiar, fissura anal, cirurgia anorretal, AVE e doença do sistema nervoso. As variáveis baixa renda familiar, AVE, história de fissura anal e cirurgia anorretal permaneceram nos três modelos testados. Este estudo contribui para o conhecimento da epidemiologia da CI na população geral brasileira, ao constituir-se em um dos poucos estudos nacionais de bae populacional sobre o tema. Além disso, os seus resultados agregam novos conhecimentos, ao terem sido testadas algumas variáveis que não são usualmente analisadas em estudos de base populacional sobre prevalência de CI na população geral, como fístula, fissura, cirurgias anorretais, hemorróidas, doenças do sistema nervoso, entre outros.

Since the Rome Criteria were developed a lot of studies have been done to determine general constipation epidemiology. However, most of the studies consider only specific groups of people and only a few of them consider a general population analysis. The current study is a population-based study that aimed to estimate the prevalence of constipation in adults from the general population at Londrina city, Paraná State, Brazil and also to identify the clinical and demographic factors associated to occurrence of constipation in this population. This study is a secondary analysis from the epidemiological population-based study about bowel habit, that was descriptive and exploratory, cross sectional, and it was performed in 2008 at the urban area of Londrina city. Two thousand one hundred sixty two individuals living at the selected streets through cluster sampling were interviewed. Two instruments were used for data collection: social-demographic data and the adapted and validated version of Bowel Function in the Community for Brazil. In the current study the original database variables were used to calculate the prevalence of constipation, according to the Rome Criteria III, and also to determine the associated factors. The data were analyzed using chi-square test (X²) and multivariate logistic regression. The prevalence of constipation was estimated with a 95% confidence interval. The adjusted odds ratio was used to measure the association between variables, using regression analysis. The total prevalence of constipation was 14,6%, higher among women (21,9% women; and 5,3% men), growing with age in both genders, and inverse proportion to the family income.The factors that presented statistically significant association to the constipated sample (n=315) were: female gender, low social economic status, fistulae history, anal fissure, rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, anus-rectal surgery, stroke and nervous system disease. Among the women, the statistically significant associated factors were: low social economic status, fistulae history, anal fissure, anus-rectal surgery, trauma or wound around the anus, rectocele, hemorrhoids, and stroke. Among the men, the statistically significant associated factors were: higher ages, low social economic status, anal fissure, anus-rectal surgery, stroke, and nervous system disease. The variables low social economic status, stroke, anal fissure history and anus-rectal surgery were statistically significant in all three tested statistical models. This study is important because it shows the epidemiology of constipation in the general Brazilian population, and it is one of the very few national based-population studies about the subject. It also shows associations between constipation and fistulae history, anal fissure, anus-rectal surgery, hemorrhoids, stroke, nervous system disease, and other factors that have not been often analyzed in based-population studies about prevalence of constipation.