J Adv Nurs. 2024 Jun 14. doi: 10.1111/jan.16263. Online ahead of print.

Tal Ilsar ¹, Michal Liebergall-Wischnitzer ², Amy Solnica ², Nurit Zusman ², Moshe Rottenstreich ¹, Lior Katz ¹

Author information

¹Gastro-Intestinal Institute, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

²Henrietta Szold School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

Abstract

Aims: To describe the prevalence of faecal incontinence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, assess its severity, and correlation with quality of life. We adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines, STROBE method.

Design: Correlational-descriptive study.

Methods: Hebrew-speaking patients seen at an inflammatory bowel disease clinic in a large tertiary medical center in Jerusalem between February 2020 and December 2020 completed the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index and the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale.

Results: Ninety-six patients participated in the study, of which 70 (72.9%) had Crohn's disease, and 26 (27.1%) had ulcerative colitis. Eighty-five (88.5%) reported faecal incontinence with an overall Faecal Incontinence Severity Index mean of 27.66 (SD 15.99), yet only 14 (14.7%) reported that their physician or nurse inquired about faecal incontinence. Quality of life scores for patients with faecal incontinence was the lowest on the coping/behaviour scale (M = 2.44; SD 0.94) and the highest on the depression/self-perception scale (M = 2.86; SD 1.04). Significant correlations were found between faecal incontinence severity and quality of life in all scales except for self-embarrassment. Moderate correlations in the same scales were noted in patients with Ulcerative Colitis, while no significant correlations were found in the Crohn's Disease group.

Conclusion: A high proportion of inflammatory bowel disease patients reported faecal incontinence associated with impaired quality of life. Only a few were questioned about faecal incontinence by their physician or nurse.

Impact: There is limited literature regarding the prevalence and severity of faecal incontinence in inflammatory bowel disease patients. A high proportion of patients reported faecal incontinence, which negatively correlated with quality of life. Physicians and nurses must inquire about faecal incontinence to improve patient care.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.