The Effect of the Implementation of Nursing Interventions Program on Incidence and Severity of Constipation among Geriatric Patients Undergoing Hip Surgeries

despite the fact that it is a severe problem affecting geriatric patients, causing discomfort and long-term impairments such as depression and anxiety, as well as poor quality of life. Nursing interventions are the most effective means of preventing or alleviating constipation. Based on a comprehensive examination of geriatric patients undergoing hip surgery, these interventions incorporate health education, exercise training, and abdominal massage with extra virgin olive oil. Aim: To determine the effect of the implementation of nursing interventions program on incidence and severity of constipation among geriatric patients undergoing hip surgeries. Settings: The study was conducted in the inpatient departments of El-Hadara Orthopedic and Traumatology University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Subjects: A purposive sample of 50 geriatric patients admitted to the previously mentioned settings for undergoing hip surgeries. The sample was divided into two equally matched groups of 25 geriatric patients. Tools: Five tools were used: the "Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) Examination", the "Patient Health Questionnaire- 2 (PHQ-2)", the "Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS)", the "Socio-demographic and Clinical Data of Geriatric Patients Undergoing Hip Surgeries Structured Interview Schedule" and the "Daily Defecation Record Form". Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in incidence of constipation between the subjects in both groups (P= 0.034). Although the severity of constipation between the subjects in both groups was not statistically significant (MCP= 0.051), it was mild for the subjects in the study group compared to those in the control group. The proposed nursing interventions are highly effective (effect size = 0.556) than routine hospital care in helping geriatric patients pass stool sooner after hip surgeries. Conclusion: The proposed nursing interventions program was beneficial in reducing the incidence and severity of constipation in geriatric patients undergoing hip surgeries. Recommendations: In-service training programs for all nurses working in orthopedic hospitals using the designed educational booklet to update their knowledge and skills about the use of complementary therapy (the proposed nursing interventions) to prevent or manage constipation.