Bowel problems and coping strategies in people with multiple sclerosis

Norton, Christine and Chelvanayagam, Sonya (2010) Bowel problems and coping strategies in people with multiple sclerosis. British Journal of Nursing, 19 (4). pp. 220-226. ISSN 0966-0461

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease,estimated to affect 100,000 people in the UK. Bowel symptoms are reported to be common in MS, with constipation affecting 29-43% and faecal incontinence affecting just over 50%. Both have an impact on quality of life. Very little is known about how people with MS manage their bowels and the effectiveness of different interventions. We conducted a 2-part survey of people with MS and bowel problems. MS Society members were invited to participate in an online survey: 155 replied. 47 people additionally filled in a more detailed postal questionnaire. In this self-selected sample, 34% spend more than 30 minutes a day managing their bowel. Managing bowel function was rated as having an impact equal to mobility difficulties on quality of life. Respondents used a wide range of strategies to manage their bowel but few were rated as very helpful. There is a need for high quality research on all aspects of managing bowel dysfunction in MS in order to improve patients' quality of life.

Item Type: Article
Divisions: ?? BucksNewUniversity ??
Depositing User: ULCC Admin
Date Deposited: 23 Aug 2012 09:14
Last Modified: 11 Dec 2017 19:19
URI: https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/9738

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item