RESUMO
We have studied the bowel habits of a theoretically normal working population to know the range defecation patterns, characteristics and main factors that may influence it. We have designed a questionnaire composed of 80 questions and distributed to 837 people. Answers, were evaluated in 414 cases (187 men and 227 women), with a median age of 33 years (range 20-64 years). The average number of stools was 7.1 +/- 3.3 per week and in 62.4% of subjects they were between the range of 5 and 8. Bowel movements were less frequent in women than in men, and the same finding was seen about self-reported constipation; nevertheless there were no differences in regard to age. Laxatives were used regularly by 11.3%, and 36% referred straining at stool at least 25% of the time and 8.3% referred straining for loose stools. Alternating bowel function presented in 19.4% and functional abdominal pain in 28% with a female predominance. Faecal incontinence occurred in 6.8% of population; an important prevalence. We also analyse variables such as diet influence, physical activity, obstetrical, gynaecological and psychosocial factors. Although this survey has revealed that a normal bowel function is very variable, only a 7.5% of the subjects, consulted a doctor for bowel complaints.