ABSTRACT
This review aims to make a critical appraise of literature on quality of life (QoL) assessment and coping strategies in elders with fecal incontinence (FI), taking into account the Brazilian population aging and the increasing incidence in chronic illnesses that yield elderly well-being compromises. Data-based search was done and the methodological quality of papers was appraised. The involuntary fecal loss generates physical, social, emotional and economic consequences, which are more prevalent in the aged and women. Recently, patient-reported outcomes, including QoL and coping strategies, had been pointed out as essential. Elderly QoL with IF can be measured either by generic instruments, such as the WHOQOL, or by specific ones, such as the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life. Some studies have indicated that variables can be associated to major or minor QoL outcomes, but there still be scarcity of works with incontinent elders. Although there were instruments for the evaluation of generic coping strategies suitable for use in Brazil, this review found no research on coping strategies, neither for elders with IF, nor for the general population and among elderly groups. The present review stresses the need for more studies to appreciate how FI effects the elderly population and how they cope with the consequent dysfunctions.
aged; quality of life; fecal incontinence; demographic aging; review [publication type]