[Psychosocial burden of the elderly with incontinence - a qualitative analysis].
The aim of this study was to describe the aspects of psychological and physical burden caused by incontinence. The study involved 112 women and men with urinary and/or fecal incontinence aged between 59 and 93 years. The subjective experience of burden was measured in a qualitative manner by means of a semi-structured interview. The semi-structured interviews were evaluated by applying content analysis. In the group of 59- to 93-year-old incontinent women and men, mental stress factors were predominant. Social factors and factors of the behavioural level ranked second and third, respectively. Physical and economic stress factors played only a minor role. Study results are discussed in relation to their implications for theory and practice. Findings result in recommendations for health care professionals (physicians, nurses and psychologists).
Ahnis
Anne
A
Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany. anne.ahnis@charite.de
Knoll
Nina
N
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000523:psychology*