Exploring the Quality of Life Of Men Living With An Indwelling Urethral Catheter: A Study at Tema General Hospital

ABSTRACT

Men living with indwelling urethral catheters encounter lifestyle changes that affect their perception of quality of life. This study sought to explore the quality of life of men living with an indwelling urethral catheter, The Response Shift Model of Sprangers and Schwartz (1999) was the organizing framework for this study an explorative descriptive design was employed. A purposive sampling technique was used and data was gathered from 13 participants using a semi-structured interview guide. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic content analyses. Interviews were conducted in three (3) months (January to March 2018).  Confidentiality, anonymity, and privacy were ensured. The themes were based on the framework from the model’s constructs: the antecedents, mechanisms, response shift, and the perceived quality of life. Findings revealed the quality of life was perceived as good and poor depending on the antecedents (sociodemographic characteristics and personality). Mechanisms used in response to changes in health state were physical, psychological, and spiritual. Managing the stench and positioning the catheter well was a major concern. Participants had spousal and family support which facilitated coping. In response to the effect of the catheter. Participants also noted the catheter was a threat to employment, marriage, finance, sexual intimacy and caused embarrassment. The psychosocial impact of living with urethral catheter affects the quality of life therefore the need to develop interventions that will enhance care. Counseling services and education is recommended for participants at the clinic.