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Description

The purpose of this capstone project was to conduct a research study to identify if children with UI encountered occupational impacts due to their condition, as well as their caregivers. Twelve caregivers participated in an online survey investigating the occupational impact (supports, barriers, and limitations) of being a caregiver to a child who encounters UI. The survey addressed how their child’s UI affects various occupations. The findings indicate a significant impact on leisure participation and home management. The qualitative data was acquired through unobtrusive methods, including narratives, blogs, and lived experiences, to provide the perspective of how UI affects children. There were seventeen unobtrusive methods gathered and analyzed. The child’s perspective revealed that societal stigma surrounding UI adversely affected their view of their condition, which caused negative self-perception and embarrassment. This psychological impact led them to develop strategies to reduce occupational disturbances, such as avoiding occupations (leisure activities, school, and sports), using/hiding disposable products, hiding wet clothing, or carrying spare items. In adulthood, many individuals reconciled with UI, utilizing disposable products and losing self-stigma and societal stigma. Both groups faced a lack of choice due to UI, including having to settle with using disposable products, clothes, jobs, and leisure activities. Lack of education between caregivers and healthcare professionals led to anguish through verbal and physical abuse and dismissive attitudes.

Publication Date

Summer 8-19-2024

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

urinary incontinence, pediatric urinary incontinence, occupational therapy, children, caregivers, occupations

Medical Subject Headings

Humans, Child, Caregivers, Embarrassment, Physical abuse, Schools, Occupations, Leisure Activities, Self concept, Delivery of health care, clothing

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy | Pediatrics | Physical Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the in-person OTD Capstone Symposium, held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on August 19, 2024

Occupational Impact of Urinary Incontinence

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