A Survey of the Problems of Bowel Management Experienced by Families of Spina Bifida Children

Questionnaires were circulated to the parents of spina bifida children. 105 responses were received, representing a third of all families contacted. Of these over 50% indicated bowel management to be a problem, and this finding was not related to the child's age or the method used. Families who complained of bowel management difficulties were also likely to report similar problems with bladder management. The responsibility of bowel management rested entirely with the mothers, and 71% of the sample indicated that they had not received formal advice or training in bowel management. The problems raised related mainly to social aspects of incontinence.