Abstract
BackgroundUrinary incontinence is a chronic, age-related disorder, likely to increase in the future due to global population ageing. In Italy, as in most countries, older people with incontinence are often cared for by family caregivers, whose burden might be worsened by the perception of receiving an inadequate support, due to the lack of customized services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the absorbent products distribution method on family caregivers’ perception of the support received.MethodsThe study compared the distribution of pads to homes and in pharmacy via a survey reaching 101 family caregivers of older people with incontinence living in two geographical areas of the Marche Region (Central Italy) with different distribution systems. The association between “Quality of perceived support” (the outcome variable) and two types of absorbent products delivery methods (i.e. pharmacy and home distribution) was analysed by means of a general linear model.ResultsFindings show that family caregivers receiving pads at home (HODs) perceived a higher support than those gaining them at the pharmacy (PHADs) (respectively 68.1% vs 35%). The association between perceived support level and distribution system remained even after correction for confounding factors. 70.2% of PHADs reported “Poor well-being”, versus only 53.7% of HODs. The latter are more satisfied with the type of products distribution and thus less inclined to experiment different systems for the supply of products for the urinary continence (e.g. by voucher). The results are virtually reversed among PHADs and the difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001).ConclusionsWhen family caregivers feel supported by a more customized service delivery system, their perception of the care-related burden is mitigated. Thus, it is important to consider the needs of both family caregivers and cared for older people, and not only of the latter for designing a more suitable distribution of absorbent products. The best solution could be leaving end-users the freedom to choose how they want to get products (e.g. voucher or personal budget). This requires a reorganization of the current pads delivery systems adopted by the Marche and by other Italian Regional Health Systems.
Highlights
Urinary incontinence is a chronic, age-related disorder, likely to increase in the future due to global population ageing
8 family caregivers live 30 min away by car. 72 have secondary and higher education, while 12 have a bachelor’s degree. 39 family caregivers are in paid work (26 full-time and 13 part-time job), 50 do not work and 11 women are housewives. 89 caregivers provide their loved ones with emotional and psychological support, 79 provide physical and practical support, and 76 help the older relative with personal hygiene. 80 respondents of the 101 carry out activities directly connected to incontinence on a daily basis or at least twice a week
This study has analysed the level of support perceived by family caregivers of older people with incontinence (OPI) in relation to the method of distribution of absorbent products, filling a gap in the literature available today
Summary
Urinary incontinence is a chronic, age-related disorder, likely to increase in the future due to global population ageing. The International Continence Society (ICS) withdrew the hygienic and social aspects of UI from the latest definition reported by the ICS Glossary, this study adopted the statement of meaning of Abrams et al [1], because it is broader and multidisciplinary and so compliant with the purpose of this research, i.e. to look at the UI and at its repercussions on family caregivers of older people with incontinence from a sociological perspective. In Italy, for example, where 22.3% of the whole population is over 65 years old [6], there are about 4, 5 million people suffering from UI (i.e. 7.8% of the population) [7] This condition concerns between 15 and 35% of older people living in the community, and 30% of those in nursing homes and facilities [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
