Tucker J¹, Murphy EMA², Steen M³, Clifton VL^4,5. BMC Womens Health. 2019 Nov 21;19(1):142. doi: 10.1186/s12905-019-0840-0.

Author information

1 Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide, Australia. Julie.tucker@student.adelaide.edu.au.

2 Departments of Surgery Lyell McEwin Hospital, Haydown Rd, Elizabeth Vale, South Australia, Australia.

3 School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia City East Campus, Playford Building, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.

4 The Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide, Australia.

5 Mater Medical Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is limited research defining the true prevalence of anal incontinence (AI) in women of childbearing age. Understanding the limitations of the current assessment tools in the identification of AI is paramount for identifying the prevalence of AI and improving the care and management for women of childbearing age. The aim of this research was to explore and develop an understanding of women's experiences in disclosing AI when completing a new bowel-screening questionnaire when compared to two established AI tools.

METHODS: A phenomenological qualitative research study was undertaken in a maternity setting in a large tertiary hospital. Parous women in the first trimester of a subsequent pregnancy were recruited to complete a specifically designed screening tool (BSQ), St Marks Faecal incontinence score (Vaizey) and Cleveland (Wexner) score. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were utilised to identify experiences in disclosing AI.

RESULTS: Women (n = 16, 22-42 years) with a history of anal incontinence either following the first birth (n = 12) or the second (n = 4) provided differing responses between the three assessment tools. All women answered the BSQ while the Vaizey and Wexner scores were more difficult to complete due to clinical language and participants level of comprehension. Women identified three major themes that were barriers for disclosing incontinence, which included social expectations, trusted space and confusion.

CONCLUSION: There are barriers for disclosing AI in the pregnant and post-natal population, which can be improved with the use of an easy assessment tool. The BSQ may facilitate discussion on AI between the patient and health professional leading to earlier identification and improvement in short and long-term health outcomes.