Article

The aim of this study is to examine the obstacles in people with
traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) face performing intermittent catheterization
(IC), also their worries and level of satisfaction. METHODS: Two hundred
sixty-nine patients performing IC for at least 3 months were asked to fill-out a
questionnaire about their opinions on IC. RESULTS: In total, 69.5% of patients
performed IC themselves, 10.4% had performed by their mothers, 7.8% by another
caregiver and 7.4% by their spouse. For the 72 (26%) patients unable to apply IC,
reasons were insufficient hand function (56.1%), being unable to sit
appropriately (35.4%) and spasticity (8.5%). In all, 70% of male patients had
insufficient hand function, 20% could not sit and 10% had spasticity while 56.3%
of female patients could not sit, 37.5% had insufficient hand function and 63%
had spasticity. Difference between sexes was found to be statistically
significant (P<0.05). Worries patients had when starting IC were fear of being
dependent on IC (50.2%), accidentally injuring self (43.8%), embarrassment
(43.2%), causing an infection (40.2%), bleeding (32.7%), fear of feeling pain
(30.2%) and hygiene (24.7%). More women felt embarrassment; other items were
similar in both sexes. In all, 46.9% of patients had urinary incontinence in
intervals. CONCLUSION: In total, 69.5% of patients performed IC themselves. Men's
most common obstacle was insufficient hand function while women's was being
unable to sit appropriately. Patients' most common worries were being dependent
on IC for life. In all, 46.9% had incontinence in intervals; 47.9% said IC
improved their life quality; and 97.4% preferred IC over continuous
catheterization.

Langue : ANGLAIS