title: Multiple sclerosis and continence issues: an exploratory study.
abstract: The study described in this article aimed to identify issues relating to incontinence and assess the impact of referral to a continence adviser on the lives of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study design used an in-depth, two-phase anonymous mail survey within a general community as nominated by the participants. Fifty-six people participated in phase 1 and eleven people completed phase 2. The results indicated that incontinence is a problem for the vast majority of participants--people with MS. One-third of the eligible participants took up the option of a consultation, assessment and treatment from a continence nurse. Reasons for not taking up the visit from the continence nurse included 'managing OK', 'didn't think it would help', 'embarrassed' and 'too busy'. Increasing awareness of urinary incontinence in the community is important and education needs to focus on at-risk groups in presenting the range of options available to assist people experiencing incontinence.
authors.affiliation: Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wollin
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bennie
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Leech
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Windsor
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Spencer
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000592:standards; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D011793:Queensland; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012752:Shame; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*