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Emotional attributes, social connectivity and quality of life associated with intermittent catheterization
Author(s) -
Markiewicz Anna,
Goldstine Jimena,
Nichols Thom
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of urological nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.184
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 1749-771X
pISSN - 1749-7701
DOI - 10.1111/ijun.12222
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , feeling , anxiety , clinical psychology , psychiatry , nursing , psychology , social psychology
Intermittent catheterization (IC) has benefits such as helping prevent urinary tract infections; however, there are physiological and psychological risk factors. To what extent this is a health burden is not well known and deserves investigation. The primary objective of this study was to explore emotional effects, social connectivity and quality of life (QoL) associated with IC. A search of peer reviewed literature finds adjustment to life after spinal cord injury impacted by emotional and behavioural changes. Some authors suggest that IC influences the emotional status of users. An IRB approved cross sectional survey, conducted through the United Spinal Association, investigated aspects of life, health and limitations associated with IC. Those surveyed (n = 393) were adults (≥18 years) performing IC as a primary method of bladder voiding. Potential respondents were sent email invitations explaining the study, rights and confidentiality and a non‐transferable link to the questionnaire. Opening the link and completing the questionnaire were considered consent to participate. Attributes of depression, anxiety, feeling bad about one's self, empowerment, independence and confidence associated with IC were investigated. The data suggests individuals with emotional distress are characterized by a lack of positive attributes rather than their ability to overcome negative attributes. The data indicates a positive correlation between social connectivity and QoL ( r = 0.473, P < .001). We found respondents performing IC are generally socially connected, but characterized by decreased positive attributes while not necessarily negative attributes, and some attributes potentially being influenced by caregiver assisted catheterization. Increased social interactivity is linked to increase quality of life. We suggest that clinicians reinforce positive attributes and the need for social connectivity as part of patient education.