LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION AND BOWEL MOVEMENT

Introduction There are rising cases of colorectal cancer world-over including the United States, Nigeria and Canada, and all cases arose from habit with only 7.5% of the cases inherited. Objectives To examine the impacts of habit and lifestyle modification on optimum bowel movement. Purpose is to reduce the risk of constipation and associated diseases. Methods A quantitative study designs involving adapted 28-item MEDLIFE index structured questionnaire was used to determine the lifestyle, and bowel movement history of participants. Pre-test bowel movements characteristics were measured. Sample size n (n = 10) participants. The baseline pre-test data collection, and the results of the Questionnaire analysis were analyzed and discussed in synthesis with the literature. SPSS Statistical analysis was performed. Linear regression and Spearman rank correlation was adopted for questionnaire analysis and ANOVA used to examine the within and between treatment sessions’ means. Tukey HSD was used to determine significance differences. Relationship and direction of causation was determined by regression analysis. Results :at 5% error margin, and at 95% Confidence interval, there was a significant inverse relationship between water consumption and the amount of time taken to empty the bowel. (P<0.05). Conclusion. There was a relationship between water consumption and bowel movement and bowel emptying time. Exercise, fruits and vegetables showed slight impact but not significant.