Experience of the patient's success in facing post-stroke urinary incontinence: The patient's perspective

Abstract

Objective: Post-stroke urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the sequelae of stroke. This situation affects all aspects of the patient's life - physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. This study aimed to investigate the experience of patients' success in facing a post-stroke UI. Methods: A qualitative study using the Rapid Assessment Procedure (RAP) approach was used in this study. Informants were selected using purposive sampling. In-depth interviews with as many as 8 patients who had recovered from post-stroke UI and living in the greater area of Southeast Sulawesi (Indonesia) were conducted. In-depth interviews were also conducted with 8 caregivers and 2 nurses. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach and interpretation of data was based on Humanbecoming theory and Self-care deficit theory of nursing. Results: Five successful things the patients experienced during post-stroke UI were identified. The five successes were as follows: they provided information to get to know and understand post-stroke UI, followed the procedures to overcome post-stroke UI, conducted self-control exercises and stayed motivated, performed daily activities independently according to ability, and made use of family support and peers' attention. Conclusions: These findings indicated that persistence, belief, independence, and social support (family and peer) made patients to successfully face their post-stroke UI and improved their quality of life. These findings also became the basis for developing a post-stroke UI management model based on Humanbecoming theory and Self-care deficit theory of nursing.