A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Oil Pulling on Constipation among Adolescent Students at Selected College Hostel, Coimbatore

Abstract

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem among adolescents and may negatively affect physical comfort, bowel habits, and quality of life. Non-pharmacological and low-cost supportive interventions are increasingly being explored for bowel health management. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of oil pulling on constipation among adolescent students residing in a selected college hostel in Coimbatore.
A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted among 60 first- and second-year B.Sc. Nursing students selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Baseline socio-demographic variables and constipation levels were assessed using the Modified Wexner Constipation Scale. The participants were instructed to perform oil pulling using 10 ml of coconut oil for 10 minutes daily on an empty stomach for four weeks. Post-test assessment was conducted using the same tool after completion of the intervention.
Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test. The findings revealed a reduction in the mean constipation score from 1.85 in the pre-test to 0.75 in the post-test. The calculated paired t-value was 8.12, which was statistically significant at p < 0.001. The results indicate improvement in constipation symptoms following the intervention.
The study findings suggest that oil pulling may be a simple, safe, low-cost, and supportive complementary practice for reducing constipation symptoms among adolescent students. The possible physiological explanation may include stimulation of salivary secretion, activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxation response, and promotion of healthy morning bowel habits. However, the study was limited by the absence of a control group, small sample size, and short duration of follow-up. Further randomized controlled studies with larger samples are recommended to establish the effectiveness and physiological basis of oil pulling in constipation management.