Effect of neurogenic bowel dysfunction symptoms on quality of life after a spinal cord injury

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-023-03946-8 · Published: June 22, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Gastroenterology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the impact of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) on the quality of life (QoL) of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in China, focusing on bowel management strategies and their effects. The research involved an online survey of 294 SCI patients, assessing bowel dysfunction severity and quality of life using specific questionnaires. The study identified significant associations between QoL and factors like defecation time, autonomic dysreflexia symptoms, medication use, and digital stimulation. The findings emphasize the complexity of managing bowel dysfunction in SCI patients and its substantial impact on their quality of life. The study suggests that addressing factors such as prolonged defecation time, autonomic dysreflexia, and reliance on medication/stimulation can improve the well-being of SCI survivors.

Study Duration

February 2016 and January 2021

Participants

294 SCI patients

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional online survey

Key Findings

1
Prolonged defecation time (>60 minutes) significantly deteriorates the quality of life in SCI patients.
2
Symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) during or before defecation are associated with a lower quality of life.
3
The use of medication (drops or liquid) and digital stimulation to manage constipation negatively impacts the quality of life.

Research Summary

This study investigated the impact of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) on the quality of life (QoL) in Chinese individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It highlights the management strategies used and their effects on QoL. Key findings revealed that factors like prolonged defecation time, autonomic dysreflexia symptoms, and reliance on medication or digital stimulation for bowel management significantly reduced the QoL of SCI patients. The study concludes that effective management of NBD is crucial for improving the QoL of SCI survivors, emphasizing the need to address specific bowel-related issues and increase societal awareness.

Practical Implications

Personalized Bowel Management Plans

Tailoring bowel management strategies to address individual needs and minimize reliance on medication and digital stimulation may improve quality of life.

Autonomic Dysreflexia Management

Effective management of autonomic dysreflexia symptoms during bowel care is crucial for improving the well-being of SCI patients.

Efficient Bowel Care Techniques

Developing and promoting efficient bowel care techniques that reduce defecation time can lead to a higher quality of life for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study was limited to one hospital in one city in China.
2
The sample may not represent the entire cohort of community-dwelling spinal cord injury survivors in China.
3
The questionnaire-based study depended on the respondents’ memory of their bowel care, possibly injecting some recall bias.

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