Author information

1 Division of Gastroenterology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

2 Cedars-Sinai Center for Outcomes Research and Education (CS-CORE), Los Angeles, California; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Division of Health Services Research, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Division of Informatics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.

3 Division of Gastroenterology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Electronic address: wchey@umich.edu.

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fecal incontinence (FI) is characterized by uncontrolled passage of solid or liquid stool. We aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of FI in a large sample of US residents.

METHODS: We recruited a representative sample of patients in October 2015 to complete the National Gastrointestinal (GI) Survey; a mobile app called MyGiHealth was used to systematically collect data on GI symptoms. FI was defined as accidental leakage of solid or liquid stool. Severity of FI was determined by responses to the National Institutes of Health FI Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System questionnaire. Multivariable regression models were used to identify factors associated with FI prevalence and severity.

RESULTS: Among 71,812 individuals who completed the National GI Survey, 14.4% reported FI in the past; of these, 33.3% had FI within the past 7 days. Older age, male sex, and Hispanicethnicity increased the likelihood of having FI within the past week. Individuals with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or diabetes were more likely to report FI. Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic individuals and individuals with Crohn's disease, celiac disease, diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or chronic idiopathic constipation had more severe symptoms of FI than individuals without these features.

CONCLUSIONS: In a large population-based survey, 1 in 7 people reported previous FI. FI is age-related and more prevalent among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or diabetes than people without these disorders. Proactive screening for FI among these groups is warranted.