PREVALANCE OF FECAL INCONTINENCE AND ITS EFFECT ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN NURSING HOMES IN THE CITY OF IZMIR

Introduction: In this study, it was aimed to determine fecal incontinence prevalance and its effect on quality of life of elderly. Materials and Method: The research was carried out in a sample of a total of 304 elderly individuals who were selected senior citizens residing in three nursing homes within the city of Directorate of Social Services, izmir between the dates of September 2006-November 2006. Research data was collected by "sociodemographic and bowel habit data form", reliable and valid "Turkish Adaptation of Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQOLS) and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI)". Results: 9,5% of elderly in households stated fecal incontinence. The score of elderly's FIQOLS the reason of depression/self perception (12.5 +/- 4.6) and embrassment (4.2 +/- 2.6) domains were low, their psychosocial statement the most affected, Significant correlation between the FISI and FIQOLQ's domains depression/self perception (r=-0.8 p<0.05) and embrassment was found (r=-0.9 p<0.05). Conclusion: Fecal incontinence in elderly has negative effect on health and quality of life. Indepently from the severity of fecal incontinence type and prevalance, it is necessary to support to the elderly for their feeling well for physical, social, hygenic and psyhologic.