Problematic aspects of faecal incontinence according to the experience of adults with spina bifida.

OBJECTIVE

To describe problematic aspects of faecal incontinence according to the experience of adults with spina bifida.

DESIGN

Qualitative interview study.

SUBJECTS: Eleven adults with spina bifida and bowel problems.

METHOD: Semi-structured open-ended interviews and qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

Problematic aspects were related to participation in terms of time consumption, communication, social isolation, love and sexuality, and accessibility. Also, to a sense of helplessness in terms of panic and worry, to a sense of shame in terms of impurity, social acceptance and self-image, and to bowel function in terms of decisions about colostomy, voluntary constipation, and changing patterns.

CONCLUSION

The results reveal aspects relevant to supporting clinical practice and suggesting issues for questionnaire studies.