Faecal incontinence in adolescents is associated with child abuse somatisation and poor health related Quality of Life.

Abstract

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between faecal incontinence (FI), child abuse, somatization and health- related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents. METHODS: Adolescents (aged 13-18 years) were selected from four semi-urban schools in the Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. FI was defined as at least one episode of leakage of faeces per month. RESULTS: A total of 1807 adolescents were analysed [males 973 (53.8%), mean age 14.4 years, SD 1.4 years]. Forty seven (2.6%) had FI. Prevalence of FI was significantly higher in those exposed to sexual abuse (17% vs. 2.3% in non-abused, p < 0.0001), emotional abuse (40.4% vs. 22.7%, p < 0.0001), and physical abuse (51% vs. 24.3%, p < 0.0001). Adolescents with FI had higher mean somatisation scores [mean 20.1, (SD 14.5) vs. mean 9.3, (SD 9.2)] in comparison to those without FI, (p < 0.0001). Those with FI also had lower HRQoL scores for physical functioning, social functioning, emotional functioning domains and performances at school, together with a lower overall HRQoL score compared to those without FI (74.6 vs. 87.1, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between FI and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. They also have a higher somatization score and a poor HRQoL score in physical, emotional, social and school functioning domains in comparison to those without FI.