Social functioning and general well-being in patients treated with clean intermittent catheterization

Social role function, health perceptions and general well-being were studied longitudinally over 1 yr in 149 males and 153 females performing clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). The evaluation included urological assessments and self-rating instruments (Revised Physical Battery, General Health Questionnaire--28 items, State Anxiety Inventory and CIC Pain and Discomfort Scale). Twenty-six percent reported major improvement in their overall quality of life, while 7% reported a wish to be dead and away from it all. Females with infranuclear lesions and detrusor myopathies scored higher on unpleasant health perceptions, state anxiety and physical discomfort by performing CIC than males. In males, the social role function 1 yr later was predicted by initial anxiety and urinary tract infections, whereas in females by initial anxiety only. Discomfort by CIC was predicted by initial infection in males, and by none or moderate medical comorbidity, initial depression and infection in females.