Association between fecal incontinence and suicidal ideation in adult Americans: Evidence from NHANES 2005–2010

Currently, research on the relationship between fecal incontinence (FI) and suicidal ideation is very limited. This study aims to evaluate whether FI is associated with suicidal ideation among US adults. In this cross-sectional study, 13,480 adults aged 20 years and older were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2010. Monthly loss of solid, liquid, or mucous stool was defined as FI. As part of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, item 9 assessed suicidal ideation. Models of multivariate logistic regression were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios. A subgroup analysis was carried out to ensure that the results were stable. It was found that FI was associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation after controlling for baseline characteristics, risk behaviors, and comorbid conditions such as depression (OR: 1.60, 95%CI: 1.24–2.08, P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, FI remained significantly associated with suicidal ideation among participants aged 45 years and older, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 1.62 (1.11–2.38) and 2.49 (1.51–4.13), respectively. For age category <45 years, the association between FI and suicidal ideation weakened (OR: 1.02, 95%CI: 0.60–1.75, P = 0.932). In conclusion, this study showed that FI was significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Patients aged middle-aged and older are at high risk and should be the focus of screening and timely intervention for suicidal ideation.