Abstract
BackgroundThere 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsWomen (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.ConclusionThere 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.
Highlights
There is limited research defining the true prevalence of anal incontinence (AI) in women of childbearing age
Women who were symptomatic of AI following their principal birth accounted for 12 women (75%) with four women (25%) in their second pregnancy
Nine (75%) of these women reported the onset of AI following sphincter injury (Table 4)
Summary
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. Derived bowel screening tools have been utilised in research to report AI in women in the late stages of pregnancy (8–65%), following birth (16–49%), gynaecology. The wide variations in reporting may be a consequence of the definitions utilised to identify AI, the sample size, population studied, selective disclosure, the length and language comprehension of the questionnaire, how the tool was administered [8, 11,12,13,14]. Understanding the limitations of the current assessment tools in the identification of AI assists in defining true prevalence and improving the care and management for women of reproductive age
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
