Children with high and intermediate imperforate anus: their experiences of hospital care

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of children with high and intermediate imperforate anus (IA), and specifically their experiences of hospital care. Twenty-five children born with high and intermediate IA participated; 9 boys and 16 girls. The mean age was 10.5years (range 8.0-13.6). Two control groups were involved in the study. A self-report questionnaire was used to gather the data concerning children's experiences of hospital care. Items were scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The children's responses on hospital care items scored high. The children with IA reported being less satisfied with the information given, and understood less why they needed to visit the hospital than did the children in the two control groups. The children's experiences of care seemed to be positive even though the children born with IA are subjected to invasive treatment. More research is called for in the unexplored area of information to the children, and particularly to the children born with a defect. Children's views are important and should always be considered, as their answers most certainly reflect a genuine experience, contributing to the further development of their specific care.