Long-term compliance with bladder management in patients with spinal cord injury: A Saudi-Arabian perspective

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2020 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1531609 · Published: May 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Patient Experience

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how well patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Saudi Arabia follow their bladder management plans over time. Managing bladder function is crucial for SCI patients to avoid complications and maintain their quality of life. The study found that many patients initially managed with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) stopped this method within a few months after leaving the hospital. The main reasons were difficulty accessing catheters and the cost of buying them. The study also revealed that many patients did not receive enough education about different types of catheters and proper bladder management. This lack of knowledge further contributed to poor compliance with the recommended bladder management techniques. Praying five times a day is a common practice in KSA which requires patients to perform ablution and ensure appropriate hygiene before the prayers.

Study Duration

August 2015 and August 2016

Participants

50 patients (41 males and nine females) with SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional survey

Key Findings

1
A significant number of patients discharged on CIC stopped using it within 3 months due to lack of accessibility and financial support for catheters.
2
Almost half of the patients reported not receiving proper health education regarding bladder management, indicating a gap in patient education.
3
There was a weak significant association between the type of injury and the type of catheter used at follow-up, suggesting injury type may influence bladder management choices.

Research Summary

The study examined long-term compliance with bladder management among SCI patients in Saudi Arabia, finding that many patients initially discharged on CIC discontinued its use within a few months. Lack of access to catheters, financial constraints, and inadequate patient education were identified as key barriers to compliance with CIC. The findings highlight the need for improved post-discharge support, including ensuring catheter availability and providing comprehensive education on bladder management, to enhance long-term compliance.

Practical Implications

Improve Catheter Accessibility

Healthcare providers and policymakers should focus on improving the accessibility and affordability of catheters for SCI patients post-discharge.

Enhance Patient Education

Implement comprehensive bladder management education programs during inpatient rehabilitation to ensure patients understand catheter types, proper usage, and potential complications.

Develop Community-Based Support

Establish community-based rehabilitation services to provide ongoing support and education for SCI patients, addressing their specific needs and challenges related to bladder management.

Study Limitations

1
Single-center study limits generalizability to the broader Saudi population.
2
Small sample size may affect the statistical power and reliability of the findings.
3
Lack of a standardized questionnaire on bladder management may introduce variability in data collection.

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