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Research into Reasons for Under-Reporting
This project considered the low rate of identification and help seeking behaviour by people with continence difficulties, the barriers to treatment and assessed information, and training approaches that would address those barriers. The project used both qualitative and quantitative approaches - including a literature review, focus groups, interviews, and surveys - to identify reasons for under-reporting. The study looked at cultural, social and physical barriers, the needs of ethnic groups, indigenous communities, carers, community workers and rural and remote communities, and accessibility and affordability of continence services, aids and appliances.
The study attributed the high levels of under-reporting of incontinence to three main factors:
- stigma associated with incontinence and lack of general discussion/acceptance of the issue as a common problem in the community
- embarrassment and shame felt about the problem, by either the care-recipient or carer, which creates a reluctance to raise and discuss the problem with others, and
- the intimate area of hygiene involved in continence which carries powerful messages from childhood about one's adequacy, independence and maturity. Faecal incontinence in particular involves strong taboos and reactions
Download a copy of the report:
References
Pearson, J., Tucker, I., Bolt, J., Kelly, S., Eastwood, S., Finucane, P. (2002). Incontinence: Why People Do Not Seek Help. Report prepared for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
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Page last updated 23 Dec 2008