Comparison of health related quality of life and health related outcomes among male patients with spinal cord injury with indwelling vs intermittent bladder catheterization - A pilot study

The majority of people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) have abnormalities in bladder function. It is important for an individual with SCI to understand the merits and demerits of different methods of bladder management. The purpose of the study is to compare the health related quality of life (QOL) and health related outcomes among male patients with SCI on indwelling and intermittent bladder catheterisation. A descriptive comparative study was conducted from June to December 2019 among patients with SCI residing in Calicut District, India. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Quality of life was assessed by Qualiveen -30. Urine culture and Numerical pain scale were used to assess Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and pain, respectively. The mean Qualiveen 30 score was higher among individuals with indwelling catheterisation 2.426 ± 0.52 than in individuals with intermittent catheterisation 1.746 ± 0.39, which is significant (p =0.0001) and patients with intermittent catheterisation showed better QOL. Mean pain after catheterisation was 5.07 ± 1.44 among persons with indwelling catheterisation while 4.70 ± 1.41 in intermittent catheterisation, which is not significant (p=0.13). The people with indwelling catheterisation are 5.5 times likely to develop UTI than people with intermittent catheterisation (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.15-26.41). The better QOL and less UTI are demonstrated in patients using intermittent catheterisation over indwelling catheterisation. There is no remarkable difference of pain during catheterisation in both groups. Intermittent catheterisation can be preferred over indwelling catheterisation among persons with SCI.